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2017 NBA Mock Draft: What if the Lakers don’t take Lonzo Ball?

By Chris Stone

Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma Sooners forward Kristian Doolittle (11) during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma Sooners forward Kristian Doolittle (11) during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Jawun Evans at The Step Back.

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18

Jawun Evans

PG, Oklahoma State

With Jeff Teague’s free agency looming and the best player available on our board being Oklahoma State’s Jawun Evans, going point guard here makes sense for the Indiana Pacers.

Evans showed he has the ability to orchestrate an offense this season, leading the Cowboys to the top spot in the country based on adjusted efficiency, per KenPom. The 6-foot tall guard is a maestro in pick-and-roll, using his low to the ground attack to burst into the lane and break down defenses. Once there, he does a nice job of getting to the foul line or kicking out to open teammates on the perimeter. However, he needs to improve as a finisher at the rim in order to be a real threat.

Defensively, Evans does a nice job creating havoc at the point of attack and generating turnovers for his team, but like most point guards, he’s going to derive his value on offense.

Evans would join the Pacers during a time of turmoil as a new front office looks to figure out what to do with Paul George’s free agency decision that will come next summer, but for now, snatching up the best available point guard makes sense for the franchise.

Learn more about Jawun Evans at The Step Back.