Fansided

8 players who could use a change of scenery

By Luke Dahlgren

Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyreke Evans – SF, New Orleans Pelicans

For all of the talent he displays, Tyreke Evans is the opposite of what is currently desirable in the NBA for a wing. Teams are turning more towards the 3-and-D type of player at shooting guard and small forward. Evans is more of a point guard; he one of the best pick-and-roll operators in the league and can generate opportunities for teammates on kick outs from drives, but he struggles with his outside shooting and perimeter defense.

Evans’ skill set is valuable but somewhat redundant for the Pelicans. They need shooting outside of Eric Gordon, and perimeter defense to deal with the best teams in the Western Conference. Meanwhile they already have a strong facilitator in Jrue Holiday, who may not be the expert handler on the P+R like Evans but gives the team some better on-ball defense. Evans needs the ball to be successful, and the Pelicans need players who find success off the ball.

The Evans-Anthony Davis P+R is capable of being deadly for opposing teams, and Davis has been a glass eater off of Evans’ misses; however, the team looks to be shifting towards pace-and-space and fast defense in transition, which minimizes the benefits Evans provides.

In fairness to Evans and his fit with the Pelicans, he has only played seven games with them this season. That is a part of the problem with Evans, as he has struggled to remain totally healthy throughout previous seasons. The Pelicans cannot rely on his presence to continue to facilitate the P+R.

His place in Alvin Gentry’s system remains to be seen. With that said, he is the opposite of what Gentry utilized in Golden State as assistant coach. A move may be best.

Tyreke Evans’ new home: Utah Jazz

The Jazz have two things that allow Evans to be effective: (1) they have young, athletic big men that can operate the pick and roll, and (2) they have floor spacing shooters. Evans at the two with Gordon Heyward as the other wing could provide a good balance for the Jazz.

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