Tyreke Evans is player Memphis Grizzlies have needed since Rudy Gay trade

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 27: Tyreke Evans
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 27: Tyreke Evans /
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The Memphis Grizzlies have needed a scoring perimeter player since they traded away Rudy Gay. Tyreke Evans has stepped in and become that missing piece — at the wrong time.

Say what you want, but the Memphis Grizzlies made a mistake trading Rudy Gay. For one, it feels like the return (Tayshaun Prince, Ed Davis and Austin Daye) wasn’t adequate enough. Ever since the trade, they’ve been trying to fill the 20-point hole. Prince was at the end of his prime and was never a scorer. Jeff Green wasn’t the missing piece to the puzzle after they surrendered a first-round pick for him. Chandler Parsons hasn’t been the guy they paid big money for. However, they might have found that perimeter scorer to fill Rudy’s shoes. Who is it? Tyreke Evans.

The University of Memphis product has been one of the league’s biggest surprises. He’s averaging 19.4 points on a career-best 40.9 percent shooting from downtown, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Since taking over as point guard, he’s averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

Evans is simply producing at a level they’ve needed since the Rudy Gay left.

He’s the first perimeter scorer in a while who’s can create his own shot and take opponents off the dribble. His ball-handling was been exquisite, and it ranks among the league’s elite. His moves around the rim are elegant and graceful. Evans has even made himself a threat from deep.

He’s doing everything Rudy did in Memphis but better. His numbers and production are at an All-Star level. His play this year has made him the most valuable player on this team. Seriously, where would they be without him?

However, is it too little, too late?

You see, Tyreke Evans is the player the Memphis Grizzlies needed alongside the prime “Core Four.” He’s a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot even when the offense is stagnant. After years of being a liability from deep, he’s become a reliable threat from downtown.

He’s been the player missing this whole time, but it might be too late.

Marc Gasol and Mike Conley aren’t in their 20’s anymore. Tony Allen and Zach Randolph are past 35 and not even on this team. The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t even a playoff team. The most important factor though, the Grizzlies only signed Tyreke Evans for a year, and it’ll be tough to bring him back.

Thanks to the albatross max contracts (Conley, Gasol and Parsons — yes, I’m including Marc and Mike in this) and the terrible deals given to JaMychal Green ($8M next year) and Ben McLemore ($5M next year), they may not have the space to re-sign Tyreke Evans without making some moves. They also don’t have his Bird Rights, so they can’t go over the cap to sign him.

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You’ll see some fans say “trade Tyreke to extract value since you can’t keep him.” However, the Grizzlies should hold on to Tyreke Evans. If he leaves, whatever it happens. He’s been a force for the Grizzlies this year and has been the most exciting player to watch.

In his crapshoot of a season, Evans is the one silver lining. He’s been the player the Grizzlies have needed for years after trading Rudy Gay. He’s even better than Rudy Gay was in Memphis. On the other hand though, it may be too late.

Appreciate Tyreke Evans, Grizzly fans.