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Memphis Grizzlies 2017-18 Player Preview: Tyreke Evans

By Parker Fleming

MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 29: Tyreke Evans of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a press conference on August 29, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 29: Tyreke Evans of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a press conference on August 29, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Can University of Memphis product Tyreke Evans rekindle that Tiger magic to ignite a spark in his career and lead the Memphis Grizzlies’ bench?

The Memphis Grizzlies signed Tyreke Evans in hopes to fill the bench scoring void left when Zach Randolph left town. Evans not only has the chance to fill it, but he has a chance to completely revamp the Grizzlies’ second unit.

Last year, it was simple. Feed the ball to Zach Randolph and let him devour second-unit big men. If it wasn’t there, you had Vince Carter who could find a bucket.

Now, it’s totally different. Since Dave Fizdale announced Chandler Parsons’ move to the bench, the Grizzlies have their most tantalizing bench in franchise history. With a 5-man unit of Mario Chalmers, Tyreke Evans, Dillon Brooks, Chandler Parsons, Brandan Wright, has a unique blend.

The lineup consists of three reliable outside shooters. The four perimeter players have the ability to create shots for themselves and others. In addition, they have the perfect highly-efficient, rim-running center to capitalize on easy dimes.

This unit has the potential to be one of the best benches in the league. However, it all starts with Tyreke Evans.

You might think it starts with Chandler Parsons, but — let’s be real — if he finds his rhythm and can play 30+ minutes, he’s going back to the starting lineup (don’t know if you can necessarily count on it).

With Evans, you have a dynamic weapon. When paired with Chalmers in the backcourt, they’re two options who can give Conley legitimate in-game rest during the regular season.

What exactly does Tyreke Evans bring to the Memphis Grizzlies? Can he be the team’s third fiddle?

What he brings to the Grizzlies

Tyreke Evans has creativity handling the basketball, making fans ooh and ahh with every hesitation and crossover. The way he can straight toy with perimeter defenders is beautiful to watch.

On this Grizzlies team, he’ll probably see the majority of his team on the wing — unless we start to see some injuries in the backcourt. However, he’s the kind of secondary playmaker most teams need.

He’s a big guard who can bully smaller guards and bolt past bigger, slow wings. Not to mention, when he gets to the basket, he’s either finishing or getting to the line — where he’s 75.7 percent for his career.

Off the bench, he simply eases pressure off his fellow teammates. Obviously, Chandler Parsons is going to see pressure after all this offseason work and his massive contract. Mario Chalmers hasn’t played a regular season game since March 2016. Dillon Brooks hasn’t played a single NBA minute yet. Then, Brandan Wright has a limited offensive repertoire.

Not only does he ease pressure off the bench, but he can help Conley find off-ball looks. Evans can run an offense and help Conley and Gasol find open looks. If either can’t find his shot, he’s really the only player who can help really get something going offensively.

Evans is the kind of versatile guard who can impact the game in a variety of ways with his offense. If his shot isn’t falling, he’ll find his teammates. With his size, he can battle in for rebounds and immediately push the basketball to ignite a fast-break opportunity. He isn’t a complete defensive liability. He also has a special knack for getting buckets — something Gasol and Conley need from their supporting cast. If he can just find a rhythm from downtown, he’ll be an interesting weapon for this team.

Related Story: Tyreke Evans will be team's 6th man of the year

Closing Remarks

Health has been a huge issue with Tyreke Evans over the course of his career, and it’ll remain a question mark this season.

At $3.3M for just this year, there’s no risk associated with this move. If health or production become an issue, they can move on — something that would probably ignite a rebuild. If he finds his rhythm and plays to his career averages of 16-5-5, he’ll be a huge lift for the Grizzlies.

With the losses of Zach Randolph, Vince Carter and Tony Allen, the fans need another player outside the Conley-Gasol tandem to be excited. The former University of Memphis Tiger has the chance to become the team’s new fan favorite.

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