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Memphis Grizzlies: Tyreke Evans Forever a True Memphis Athlete

By Blake Monroe

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 15: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 15: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Tyreke Evans only played one season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he is an athlete built by the city of Memphis.

Many NBA fans outside of Memphis, Tennessee may not know much about Tyreke Evans. The fourth overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft has played for a few  teams in the league; most currently, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies received his services.

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While with the Grizzlies, Evans only appeared in 52 games due to injuries, personal matters, and the team’s failed trade attempt. During these 52 games, he produced 45.2% shooting accuracy from the field, including 39.9% accuracy from the three-point line. Tyreke averaged 5.1 rebounds and a team-high 5.2 assists to go with his powerful 19.4 points per game average.

In a meeting versus the Chicago Bulls, Tyreke Evans lit up the FedEx Forum crowd with 25 points and nine assists, throwing up back-to-back to back three-pointers, giving Chicago a glimpse of how good he really was.

These are quite impressive numbers for approximately just half of the 2017-18 season. You may be wondering, “how does one season and some highlight plays with the Memphis Grizzlies equate him to a ‘True Memphis Athlete?'” The answer comes from his time with the Memphis Tigers.

Evans’ Run to the 2010 ROY Award

Tyreke Evans was chosen as the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year. This is a feat given to the most outstanding rookie of that particular season. This accomplishment and his journey to the league can all be traced back to his time with the Memphis Tigers.

During his one-year college career, Evans excelled in an explosive way, earning him the titles of Conference USA Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference USA, Conference USA Tournament MVP, and lastly McDonalds’s All-American MVP.

In the 11th game of his collegiate career, Tyreke Evans, in 33 minutes, came just two assists short of a triple-double, leading his team to a 60-45 win over the University of Cincinnati.

A City Grateful for Tyreke Evans

During his college career, it is easy to see how the Memphis Tigers transitioned him into an excellent rookie season in the NBA. Though he has now played for several professional franchises, he came home (away from home) last season to rise above and become the leader the Memphis Grizzlies needed him to be.

Next. Eight Reasons Memphis Will Miss Tyreke. dark

Evans’ presence on the court exerted leadership, drive, and grit-‘n’-grind. All of which was forged by the city of Memphis long before he ever wore a Grizzlies uniform.

Though Grizz Nation is sad to see him wearing colors of the Indiana Pacers in 2018-19, fans can take pride in the fact that it was Memphis that made him the player he is today, no matter the team he plays for.

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