Tyreke Evans May Be The New Orleans Pelicans Andre Iguodala

It is almost the doldrum period in the NBA offseason. The rat race that is free agency is over and with only summer league to keep New Orleans Pelicans fan entertained it may be a long, slow offseason ahead. The Pelicans have committed to running it back with the largely the same roster and any new spots to start the season will likely be filled with minimum contracts or summer league guys.

With New Orleans choosing to run it back I have been finding myself wondering who will fit where in Alvin Gentry’s new system. Tyreke Evans is a player that has caused so many varied opinions among Pelicans fans about what his role should be going forward. When Tyreke Evans first signed with the Pelicans it was reported that they envisioned him in a Manu Ginobili role but upon further inspection I believe the best way to utilize Evans unique skillset is placing him into a role similar to how the Warriors used Andre Iguodala.

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When you examine each player’s career numbers you will notice a lot of similarities on the offensive end. One thing that stands out for each player is the versatility that they provide. Both Evans and Iguodala possess the ability to run the offense with the second unit and can create for others and themselves. This past regular season Iguodala played in 77 regular season games and started none of them. The Warriors used Iguodala as the primary playmaker in the second unit, however he was often was on the floor finishing games in the fourth quarter. Despite not starting a single game during the regular season Iguodala was regularly featured with the starters to the point that Iguodala’s most commonly featured lineup consisted of him alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Bogut.

This is precisely how the Pelicans should use Evans. Bring him off the bench and let him be the playmaker for the second unit when Jrue Holiday is sitting while also allowing Evans to be on the floor regularly to close out games. Iguodala and Evans both are players that are great at getting to the basket and being able to create for themselves or others. Neither of them possess a reliable jumpshot, but this season the two bigs who Iguodala primarily played with off the bench were David Lee and Marreese Speights. When Iguodala was in the game the Warriors usually tried to surround him with floor spacers whenever he is on the court. If Gentry is to bring Tyreke off the bench it is easy to see him following a similar pattern. With Ryan Anderson and Alexis Ajinca being the backup bigs Evans will be surrounded with two bigs that can space the floor and open up driving lanes to compensate for his lack of shooting, just as the Warriors did with Iggy. Gentry should have no problem integrating Evans offense into his system being that he dealt with such a similar player in Golden State.

The similarities are even more interesting when you look at both players’ numbers after their 6th seasons in the league. Per basketball-reference, the numbers are very similar and the thought of Evans playing in an up tempo offense has been something fans have salivated over for years. While ideally many would think Evans would thrive in an up-tempo offense he has struggled when in transition with the Pelicans. Meanwhile, Iguodala has thrived in transition where he shot 65%, compared to 53.7 % with Evans. If Evans is going to succeed in Gentry’s system he will obviously have to improve those numbers.

The talent and skillset is really not the main issue when discussing Evans. Where he is criticised mainly on offense is tendency to make low iq plays and forcing the issue much too often on offense. If Alvin Gentry utilizes Evans in the same manner in which he used Iggy in Golden State, Tyreke seems poised to have the most efficient season of his career. All the tools are in place for Tyreke to succeed.

The one place that the comparison seems the strangest is the defensive side of the ball. This is the area where Tyreke must improve if ever wants to elevate himself into a top level player. Few would argue that Iguodala is one of the smartest and best wing defenders in the NBA. If Evans can get close to Iguodala’s level on defense he could cement his spot as a core player the Pelicans keep moving forward. The idea of Evans being a good defender is not impossible. Actually his physical traits bear a close resemblance to Iguodala. The draft express profile of both players, (Iggy and Reke) show that the measurables are quite similiar and most would agree that Tyreke has the ability to be a solid defender. It will be up to new assistant coach Darren Erman to unlock that defensive potential in Tyreke Evans. If he can do that the Pelicans may have found their Iggy, an elite sixth man with the ability to spot start in the postseason depending on match-up.

Next: Observations from the Pelicans third win in the Las Vegas Summer League

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