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NBA Free Agency: Eight Reasons the Memphis Grizzlies Will Miss Tyreke Evans

By Christian Dudley

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 5: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on January 5, 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 – JANUARY 5: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on January 5, 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) /

Prolific Scoring

Not only was Tyreke Evans a big-time threat from long-range, but he displayed a complete offensive game in 2017-18. Receiving a bill of good health obviously did wonders for ‘Reke. Most importantly, this enabled him to finally showcase his improved game.

In the 52 games Grizz Nation witnessed Evans suit up for Memphis, Evans achieved or surpassed the 20-point mark 26 times, including four outings of 30+ points. For this statistic, Marc Gasol ties Tyreke. Again, Gasol participated in 21 more games than ‘Reke. This 27-point performance versus the Phoenix Suns demonstrates the goodness known as Evans’ scoring craft.

Memphis sounds to be all-in on the defensive end for the upcoming season. However, they must find a way to score. Marc Gasol can only do so much, especially if Mike Conley and others continue to suffer from the injury bug. Who will step up? Will Chandler Parsons finally play to his maximum potential? Will Ben McLemore finally have a breakout season? These scenarios seem unlikely if 2017-18 was any indication. Hopefully Dillon Brooks continues to be a major win for the Grizzlies organization as he has all the makings of a high-level scorer. Even so, should Memphis bank on a sophomore to carry the offensive load?

This is where having Tyreke Evans would solve so many questions. It would be a guarantee that points would be placed on the board. Additionally, he is a master at creating his own shot. Last season, ‘Reke ranked 21st overall in drives per game at 12.2. He oftentimes commands a double-team due to his physical strength, which enables shooters to become open for good looks along the perimeter. Tyreke averaged 5.3 shot attempts during drives, which shows he is a frequent playmaker and willing passer with the ball in his hands.

Whether from drives, three-point bombs, free-throws, or more, ‘Reke got the job done on the offensive end while donning a Grizzly uniform. Indiana definitely hit the NBA Free Agency jackpot in reaching an agreement with No. 12.

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