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NBA Free Agency: Nabbing Tyreke Evans would give OKC edge on competition

By Benjamin McCoy

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 18: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a team practice on March 20, 2018 at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 18: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a team practice on March 20, 2018 at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agency
MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 14: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 14, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.  (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Strengths:

Drafted fourth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2009 NBA Draft out of the University of Memphis, Tyreke Evans brings unique size (6’6”) and length (6’11’) to the court. Although mostly utilized as a combo guard, his versatility allows him to play and guard multiple positions.

While he plays better as the primary ball handler, his ability to play off the ball shouldn’t be overlooked. He is a good 3-point shooter, shooting a career-high of nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc last season. Furthermore, he is an excellent finisher using his tight handle and strong frame to finish through contact.

Despite being known as an isolation scorer he is an excellent passer drawing in defenses and finding the open man. He is good in the pick and roll seemingly always making the right reads and never panicks under pressure. Similarly, his athleticism, footwork and basketball IQ make him a dangerous transition player.

He is a solid defender with the size and strength to handle getting switched onto bigger players. Moreover, he is a good rebounder for his position often using his length to get his team extra possessions. If he can continue to stay healthy he brings tremendous value to teams in the modern NBA.

Weaknesses:

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His only major weakness as a player has been his ability to stay healthy. His first major injury came in 2011 when he missed 19 games with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Although he was able to come back and finish up the season he missed 16 games the next with a knee injury.

After playing 72 games in the 2013-2014 season he once again found himself watching from the stands after missing the first 17 games of the 2015-2016 season recovering from knee surgery. Despite coming back strong he was only able to make it through 25 games before being sidelined.

Finally, after a second successful surgery to repair his right knee he appears to be healthy. He was able to put together his best season since his rookie year, albeit on a tanking Memphis team. Moreover, he was playing so well they had to sideline him to continue losing and try to maintain draft position. Nevertheless, his health is something potential suitors should consider before making him an offer.

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