New Orleans Pelicans All-Time Franchise Team: Wildcard One

Mar 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) shoots and draws a foul off Sacramento Kings guard Ray McCallum (3) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Rick (@RickStoneNBA): Tyreke Evans

This last spot was a tossup for me between Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon. The choice was Tyreke mostly because of who is the better overall player wearing the jersey. Tyreke Evans may not have the years or games played as Eric Gordon does, but overall his stats show more of what he’s been asked to do with the recent injury situation of New Orleans basketball. His response to it has been superb, including helping them hold off tough stretches to make the playoffs.

Tyreke Evans’ first two years in New Orleans saw quite a balance of good statistics across the board. Tyreke averaged over 14 points per game in both seasons, at least five assists per game in both seasons and at least four and a half rebounds per game in both seasons. A nearly fifteen-five-five mark is pretty darn good for a combo guard. Evans also shot over 42% in both years. In two seasons where New Orleans has struggled with health at the guard spot, Evans has played in at least 70 games in both years he’s been on the team.

In last year’s playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, continued his triple-five threat going throughout. In four games, Tyreke averaged 10 points, five rebounds and five assists. His shooting numbers definitely took a fall, however the best defense in the NBA made life very difficult for him along with the recent injury issues he had going into the series. Evans also averaged 1.3 steals versus a team known for their ability to avoid turnovers and handle the ball. Overall with the injuries to Jrue Holiday and Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans stepped up big time.

When it comes down to level of play, Tyreke Evans is a solid player to fill out the roster as the final spot. His long list of abilities and his makeup of being a hybrid player wherever he is needed is a huge bonus for New Orleans to have on their roster. There is a lot of question going forward with the franchise on what direction they want to take their roster, however if they decide to keep Tyreke Evans, his contributions as a hybrid player could be bountiful and really elevate himself on the list of New Orleans basketball players.

Next: Brendon's Selection