Love/Hate Series: Tyreke Evans

What we love about Tyreke Evans

Although he’s struggled to stay on the court during his first 9 years, when he’s on the hardwood there is a lot to like about Tyreke’s game.

First and foremost Evans is extremely versatile on the offensive end. He has the size to play either wing and the play making ability to play the point. This is a highly valuable trait and should allow the Memphis product to play in a plethora of line-up combinations.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

• 2 Studs, 1 dud from gut-wrenching Indiana Pacers loss to Charlotte Hornets
• Handing out early-season grades for Pacers’ Bruce Brown, Obi Toppin
• 3 positives, 2 negatives in Pacers In-Season Tournament win vs. Cavaliers
• 2 positives, 3 negatives from first week of Indiana Pacers basketball
• Should Isaiah Jackson’s days with Indiana Pacers be numbered?

While his versatility is certainly useful, his play making ability may be even more important. Last year, Evans posted a 31.2 assist percentage better than Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry. His size and change of pace style allow him to maneuver through the defense and find the open man. This enables Evans to easily slide to the point and facilitate the offense.

Not only is Evans an incredible talent, he fits. Evans fills multiple needs and the first being his projected spot in the second unit.

His attacking mentality fits like a glove with the Pacers projected bench mob. Indy expects to have elite shooting on the wing with Doug McDermott and T.J Leaf (hopefully).

A solid floor general who can shoot a bit and does everything well in Cory Joseph and a playmaking big who is lethal in the pick and roll in Domas Sabonis. The perfect cast to fill around a nice lead actor off the bench.

Although Evans may start the game on the bench I have a suspicion he won’t end it there. Indy desperately needed somebody to help take the burden off of Victor Oladipo in the half court and Tyreke could be it.

With an improved outside touch and a nice pick and roll game Evans can score in a vast amount of ways. Vic’s tired from his absurd 65 game steal streak (and counting)? Give the ball to Tyreke and let him run the pick and roll.

Is second unit having trouble finding a shot late in the clock? Throw it to Evans and let him go one on one. Is Cleveland trapping Oladipo on the touch? Get number 12 in the middle of the floor and let him create.

This is the bail out Indy didn’t have last year and one I think can make a big difference this year.