All-Time New Orleans Pelicans Franchise Team: Backup Shooting Guard
Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard
Tyreke Evans(1) is called for charging against Golden State Warriors center
Andrew Bogut(12) as forward
Harrison Barnes(40) during the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Matt (@Matt_Cianfrone): Tyreke Evans
Over the last few years there have been plenty of discussions surrounding Tyreke Evans. Is he good enough to be the third best player on a contender? Can he figure out how to play without the ball in his hands? Why in the world would he do that?
Through it all though one thing has been very consistent. Tyreke Evans has been really, really good for the Pelicans.
The averages, 16.6 points, 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game last season and 14.5, 5.0 and 4.7 in his Pelicans debut season, are really good on their own. But what makes Evans so special goes beyond that.
Most importantly, the Pelicans know that they can count on Evans to be in the lineup every single night which hasn’t always been the case with their best players. Evans plays through pain fairly often, never sat for “rest” as the Pelicans limped to the finish at the end of 2013-2014 and gives it his all no matter what.
For an All-Time franchise team that effort means something as it gives fans something to be proud of at all times. Combine that reliability and attitude with some moments of incredibly stellar play and big moments and Evans absolutely deserves a spot on the roster. With the lack of stars at shooting guard and his versatility, he fits in just fine here.
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