Tyreke Evans is the Memphis Grizzlies’ X-Factor

The Memphis Grizzlies bench have turned heads with their performances so far. Veteran Tyreke Evans is leading the charge.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ bench has been dominant thus far, serving as the catalyst behind the team’s surprising ascendancy towards the top of the Western Conference. While Gasol and Conley shake away the offseason rust, it has been the backups who have steamrolled opposing bench units. This group has been deadly, outscoring their counterparts to the tune of 18.8 points per game.

Several members of Coach Fizdale’s new look bench have performed admirably. Tyreke Evans has been the driving force in spearheading this success and has become the X-factor for this Grizzlies team. The former Rookie of the Year has found a home in Memphis, forcing the Grizzlies firmly into the playoff picture.

“Tyreke, I’m just happy I’m not coaching against anymore. To me, he was the closest thing we faced to Dwyane Wade when it came to getting to the basket, being able to draw fouls, being able to finish through contact.” – David Fizdale

What Tyreke Evans brings to Memphis Grizzlies

Evans’ ability to play both on and off the ball has been pivotal to his success. Mario Chalmers, a more traditional point guard, offers this flexibility. Although Tyreke’s assist numbers have diminished, his new role is that of a scorer. In the process, Chalmers has more playmaking responsibilities.

Tyreke Evans provides an uncanny ability to slither into the lane from all angles of the court. His penetration constantly stresses defenses to throw a help defender his way. This has cleared space for solid catch-and-shoot opportunities for Chandler Parsons and Dillon Brooks to fire away. Evans’ ability to drive into the paint effectively has been a skill that the Grizzlies have sorely lacked — outside of Mike Conley — in past years.

Evans has also been a flamethrower from deep this season, shooting at a 41.4 percent clip. Tyreke’s shooting may not be sustainable, as he’s a career 30 percent shooter from deep. Despite this, he has gradually improved his range each year. Now Tyreke will gladly punish teams that disrespect him by ducking under screens. Evans does have an affinity for the occasional heat-check and ill-advised shot. However, I’ll happily take his irrational confidence over the past Grizzly guards who were reluctant to even look toward the rim, let alone heave a fadeaway from deep.

More importantly, Evans’ playing style reflects exactly what has made this Grizzlies bench unit so successful. He pushes the tempo, looks to cause turnovers and feasts on quick transition buckets. It’s been infectious with the bench. Each member of the unit has had opportunities to shine.

Closing Remarks

Tyreke’s versatility has been invaluable to a Grizzlies team plagued by early-season injuries. With Wayne Selden and Ben McLemore injured, Evans has stepped into the shooting guard role during crunch-time minutes. It’s clear that Andrew Harrison can’t provide minutes in late game situations, and Evans has slotted in beside Conley effectively. Three out of the four most effective lineups Conley has been a part of have also include Tyreke Evans.

Next: Ben McLemore assigned to G-League

Tyreke Evans has taken to an unfamiliar bench role in outstanding fashion. With less responsibility as a starter and greater freedom to run and gun, Evans has the Grizzlies’ bench clicking on all cylinders. Their success isn’t a fluke.

They’ll keep scoring.

They’ll force turnovers.

Most of all, they’ll keep grinding.