<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Apparently sensing they were running a distant fourth or fifth in the Michael Finley sweepstakes, Detroit tendered an offer sheet to Sacramento's Maurice Evans, resisting the temptation, at least for the time being, of luring in Latrell Sprewell. With Evans, not only is the price right (reportedly three years, $4.5 million), but the upside is significant. He played well for Sacramento late last season, displaying terrific explosiveness and strength. He has the body to make it and his game is developing rapidly. Evans has clearly exhibited that he has the determination to succeed, playing in Italy, Greece and Russia for three years before signing with the Kings last season. The Texas product originally started his college career at Wichita State, emerging as one of the country's leading scorers before transferring to play against a higher caliber of competition. There's a glut of wings in Sacramento with Peja Stojakovic and Bonzi Wells set to start and the Kings' past two draft picks, Francisco Garcia and Kevin Martin, requiring playing time. As a result, Evans should end up Detroit-bound at a bargain rate to help back up Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. How much better is he than Sprewell for the Pistons? Let us count the ways: He won't complain about minutes. He's younger and more explosive and at this stage in their careers, he's the better defender, which is of premium importance with Detroit. </div> Link
Solid signing. I don't expect the Kings to match the offer with the additions of Garcia and Wells and the expected increase of playing time for Martin. He should be a solid 7th, 8th player off the bench subbing in for Hamilton and/or Prince. Delfino did not fare well in that role last year so this should help them a great deal. The rich get richer (quality players).
I havent seen or know much about Evans, can anyone who does shed some light on him for me? Like what kind of player he is, whats his specialty etc.? PS: Love your sig Banks, Papoose is one of my favourite underground artists out right now.
Geoff Petrie has stated that he will not match the offer. Evans is going to be a great signing by Joe D. He will at least cut down Tayshaun's minutes not only during the season but the playoffs. Where Tay obviously wore down a little in the finals because of playing too many minutes. Evans is the prefect player for the Pistons system. Key thing is to add guys who know their role and fit the system instead of just adding big name talents that want the ball. Smart off season moves by Joe Dumars.
^^yeah im starting to see the puzzle Joe D has been putting together over the offseason, and im really starting to like it now, I wasnt too impressed with the Davis signing to begin with (I've got nothing against Davis, I just didnt really think we needed him), but I'm starting to like it.
evans is a nice addition...extremely athletic and can defend...I think him and Arroyo can be a very stable backup backcourt...
Mo Evans is going to be known as the "Wade-Stopper." The Pistons added players this off-season to defend against the two best players on the Heat. Mo Evans is a physical defender who will chase Wade around and pound him. Dale Davis was added to defend against Shaq. I really envy the Pistons having a competant GM in Joe Dumars. Dale Davis should also add some fuel to the Pistons-Pacers rivalry when they match-up.
Evans is a very strong and athletic player. His strengths are defending,rebounding,finishing around the basket and hitting open shots. I kinda wanted to see him go to the Spurs and replace Bowen. $4.5 mill over 3 years is a GREAT value for this guy.
It's official now. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ? Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has signed guard Maurice Evans to a contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. ?Maurice Evans will be a great addition to our team,? said Dumars. ?He?s young, athletic and very talented. He gives us a versatile player coming off the bench who plays hard on both ends of the floor.? Detroit first signed Evans, who played for Sacramento last season, to an offer sheet on August 24. Sacramento did not match Detroit?s offer allowing for the two sides to reach a contract agreement. During the 2004-05 season, Evans averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 19.0 minutes, playing in 65 games (11 starts) for the Kings. He shot 44.2% (165-373 FG) from the field and 32.9% (27-82 FG) from three-point range. In three first round playoff games with the Kings, he averaged 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. Evans began his career in Minnesota during the 2001-02 NBA season. In 10 games with the Timberwolves, he averaged 2.1 points in 4.5 minutes per game during his rookie season. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound swingman has played in 75 career NBA games and averaged 5.8 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 44.4% from the field. </div> Source
