Already covered in a previous piece, it has been established that Tyreke Evans makes planning offseason moves exceedingly complicated for the New Orleans Pelicans. One way to untie the proverbial knot is to send the polarizing combo guard packing.
The New Orleans Pelicans have a potential planning nightmare on their hands this offseason with Tyreke Evans still residing on the roster. Despite his talents, his presence necessarily limits the ability to develop a young ball handler selected in the draft. Whether it be Kris Dunn or another prospect further down the list, youngsters need playing time to cut their teeth.
Even if the team does not plan on selecting a point guard, handing the reigns to the second unit to Tim Frazier does not sound like a fundamentally flawed idea, but the team will struggle to find playing time for the promising pass-first dynamo with Tyreke Evans still with the team.
Many would argue that Tyreke Evans is untradeable due to no other team possibly wanting him; that line of thinking is biased very heavily against Evans. Sure, he does not fit the mold of the modern, efficient combo guard, but he was a major factor in the Pelicans making the playoffs in Monty Williams‘s last season and has averaged a player efficiency rating of 18.0 during his time in the Crescent City.
There are, at least, three teams in the NBA who would love to have a relatively efficient, attacking ball handler, and a potential deal may benefit all parties involved. Tyreke Evans was not comfortable in Alvin Gentry’s system, and it was clear that the embattled slasher was not adhering to what Gentry wanted him to do.
If the Pelicans do truly believe it is time to move on and wave goodbye, there are three teams they should call.
Next: Full rebuild