Though Tyreke Evans is no longer on the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster, his former team remains well on his mind.
In his lone season with the Memphis Grizzlies (2017-18), Tyreke Evans appeared in 52 of 82 games. However, none of the 30 games he missed were to due to suspension.
Through approximately two weeks of the 2018-19 regular season, Evans has already hit a rough patch with his new team, the Indiana Pacers. However, he instantly learned from his mistake.
As it turns out, Tyreke was dismissed from the Pacers’ practice session shortly after he arrived — late. Indiana, perhaps one of the most team-oriented clubs the NBA has to offer this season, clearly does not tolerate its players being late. Who would?
Tyreke Evans has not been a problem player during his (now) 10-year NBA career, so this should not become a trend from the former Grizzlies player. In his personal statement released via the Indiana Pacers on Friday, he explained this sentiment in detail, which read as follows:
"“I was late for practice. This is the most professional and team-oriented organization I have been with in my career. They deserve my best every day and I am disappointed in myself for causing a distraction that prevents me from being able to help my team tomorrow. I will do better.”"
This can be portrayed as a subliminal jab or a sneak diss by Tyreke toward the Memphis Grizzlies. Who can blame Evans for still having some animosity toward the Grizzlies’ Front Office?
They kept him from being traded to a contender prior to last season’s NBA Trade Deadline, plus cost him extra change in NBA Free-Agency.
The Memphis Grizzlies faced the Pacers in the season-opener on October 17th. Tyreke Evans boasted a production line of 14 points, four rebounds, and six assists, including a +23 rating in the 28-point blowout victory by his new squad.
Tyreke literally had the last laugh on that particular evening. After drilling a long jumper in front of the Grizzlies’ bench, he talked a little trash to his former club prior to running back on defense.
As far as ‘Reke’s statement is concerned, there are other NBA organizations that he has been a part of. You could say they have been mediocre at best.
Evans has represented the Sacramento Kings in two different stints — the first of which earned him NBA Rookie of the Year honors. He has also spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans. Though these two clubs have been historically subpar, the easy target from Tyreke’s comments is definitely the Grizzlies.
How long will this continue? Tyreke Evans’ Pacers will face the Memphis Grizzlies again on January 26th inside the Grindhouse, so probably until then if Beale Street Bears had to take a guess.