New Orleans Pelicans moving Tyreke Evans to small forward

Assuming Anthony Davis is to remain healthy, many believe the New Orleans Pelicans may be a surprise team in the NBA’s Western Conference this year, especially if Tyreke Evans can continue to build off his recent success.

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Acquired from the Sacramento Kings during the 2013 offseason, Evans struggled out of the gate though finished the season in a flurry, looking much like the player who won the 2010 Rookie of the Year award. Was it simply a stretch of hot basketball? Or did Evans finally capitalize on his talent?

It’s difficult to tell, though if he is to continue his success, he’ll likely be doing it at the small forward position as it’s expected Tyreke Evans will get his majority of floor time at the three this season.

That’s the word from New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps who told NBA.com he expects the former Memphis talent to earn his time at small forward.

“He’s a little undersized there, but with all the intangibles and things he does, I think that will be a bright spot.”

It’s a questionable decision from Demps and the Pelicans considering Tyreke Evans has struggled at the three before, especially during his time with the Sacramento Kings. Many of his advantages that he holds at the guard positions aren’t as effective at small forward, though he did play the position well for the Pelicans last year.

Granted, if it doesn’t work out the Pelicans can always move him out of the position, but he’s shown himself to be most effective when he has control of the ball – something that won’t happen at small forward.

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