The Memphis Grizzlies made a splash by signing Tyreke Evans on a team-friendly deal. What do our writers think about the move?
The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t have much money to play with this summer. The fat contracts of Marc Gasol, Chandler Parsons and Mike Conley take up a ton of space. In addition, the salary cap never kept decreasing. It started near $110M, then dropped to $102M before it became set at $99M. Every team has a tight budget after dropping bands last summer.
However, despite the limited money, the Grizzlies signed former University of Memphis Tiger Tyreke Evans for only $3,000,000. That’s a steal for a player of his skill-set. When healthy, he can score the ball at will, facilitate an offense and play multiple positions. However, the “when healthy” narrative has defined his career since his sophomore year. After an explosive rookie year, Evans had potential to be a star in this league, averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
If he’s healthy, Evans will be a huge lift for this Grizzlies team.
As we grade each offseason move, Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA), Nathan Chester (@BigNateChester), Jake Finnen (@HalfCourtJester) and Ryan Patterson (@_ryanjp) give their thoughts on the Tyreke Evans signing.
Grade: A+
The Evans signing was a real home run, and Chris Wallace deserves to be commended for it. Even if injuries prevent him from being effective, his contract will virtually not cost the Grizzlies anything. If he’s healthy, Evans is an explosive playmaker who could bring this team to another level come playoff time. — Nathan Chester
Grade: A
His bowling-ball offensive style and increasingly efficient jumpshot is exactly what the Grizzlies need. A deadly jump shot would have been better, but Evans has been an offensive powerhouse whenever healthy. A facilitator with a triple-double mindset is going to give consistent offense where it’s needed.
With Gasol, Conley, and Evans shouldering the offensive weight, he can adhere to the catch-shoot styles of Memphis’ role players. Possibly turning Sir McLemore into a productive secondary option. — Jake Finnen
Grade: B
The Grizzlies were tight with money but still found a potential contributor. Evans is averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists for his career. In addition, he brings the versatility Fizdale covets in his players. Evans can serve as a secondary playmaker and can play positions 1-3.
If he can stay healthy, the former University of Memphis Tiger would be a steal for the Grizzlies and a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate. — Parker Fleming
Grade: B-
Welcome home, ‘Reke! The former Memphis Tiger has proven his value in the league over the past years. With his insane ball handling skills and court vision, the on-court combo of Conley and Evans is going to be one to go down in Grizz history (second to Battier-Gasol, of course). — Ryan Patterson
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