2018 NBA Draft: 5 best perimeter defenders available

3. Jacob Evans (Cincinnati)

Under Mick Cronin, the University of Cincinnati has developed a defense-first attitude that has helped it to dominate the American Athletic Conference. One piece of the puzzle for the Bearcats was wing Jacob Evans. Evans low-maintenance approach to the game was molded under Cronin and will go a long ways toward helping him sustain an NBA career for a long time. Evans is likely the most NBA-ready 3-and-D prospect available in this year’s draft class. He’s a prospect tailor-made as a response to the “after watching the playoffs can X player fit in today’s game” debate that has been getting tossed around lately in the lead up to the 2018 NBA Draft. Put Evans on the court for any of the conference finalists in each conference and he could make a positive contribution.

With the offensive explosion that has dominated the NBA recently, getting a sure thing defensively like Evans can go a long way for a team. Evans stocky build and strength allow him to defend shooting guards to small-ball fours. We’ve seen P.J. Tucker flourish in this type of role and with the right coaching Evans worst-case scenario is turning into a Tucker-like rotation piece for a championship contender.

Evans has been projected to go in the 20’s and that would place him on a playoff-caliber team and that would be a great pick up for any of those franchises. Combine that with an above average set of skills on the offensive end and he could be an immediate contributor. Evans willingness to stick his nose in anywhere and take on any challenge will help him to win over whatever coaching staff that selects him.

Fit is often one of the defining qualities in the success that a rookie has upon entering the NBA, however, Evans’ game makes him a fit with all 30 teams. It won’t be long before Evans is making a case for a selection on an All-Defensive team.