Second-round pick Evans makes big impression

J_Ray · Jul 10, 2010

Orlando, Fla. • At 6-foot-10 and weighing in at less than 200 pounds, it would probably be understating things to call Jazz rookie Jeremy Evans skinny.

Rail-thin might be more like it.

Because of that lack of bulk, Evans still really doesn’t have a position. Is he a small forward? A power forward? Nobody knows yet because it will all depend on how the second-round pick fills out.

But, oh, the athleticism.

Evans can jump with the best of them. He extends way above the rim and he finishes plays with resounding dunks whenever he gets the chance.

That isn’t all. Evans rebounds. He plays defense. He displays surprising strength and has proved he can play — even if his role is still a work in progress.

All of those attributes have caught the attention of Jazz brass during this week’s Orlando Summer League. And Evans has given himself a chance to make the team in the process.

“We like him,” Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. “He’s been tremendous for us, he’s worked hard and he wants to play basketball. We’re going to give him a long look during fall camp. We’re going to take it one step at a time. We don’t know what position he is, but he’s been a basketball player.”

During the Jazz’s 85-56 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday in their final summer league game, Evans was made an impact at both ends of the floor. He scored 12 points on 6-for-7 shooting, grabbed five rebounds, made a couple of steals and had a blocked shot.

Evans, from Western Kentucky, got more and more comfortable as the week went on. Gaining praise from the front office, for Evans, was a major accomplishment.

But even bigger was how he stood out in a stretch of games when all eyes were on Gordon Hayward — the Jazz’s lottery pick (ninth overall) from Butler.

“I set a few goals this week,” Evans said. “I wanted to come out and work hard and compete every day. I just wanted to play ball.”

At this point, Evans is still a raw talent. But with his athleticism and length — he has the wingspan of a condor — he could potentially help a Jazz team that was short of both in the frontcourt last season.

Hayward, the 6-9 small forward, played well for the second consecutive day, scoring 14 points and grabbing four rebounds in 17 minutes against the Sixers. His game line — 3-for-5 shooting from the field and 7-from-7 from the free-throw line — left Sloan and Jazz General Manager Kevin O’Connor raving about his efficiency. If Hayward’s proved anything this week, it’s that he simply doesn’t force or take bad shots.

“He’s gotten better and better as the week has gone on,” Utah assistant Scott Layden said. “You can see that he’s getting more used to the system, and he’s been a quick study that way. His knowledge of the system has improved dramatically.”
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Looking at Utah's past 2nd round pick, my perception on Evans could be changing. I was irate when they picked him but boy can the guy actually play. Probably one of the best athletes in the draft and just gutsy thus far. I could see him becoming a better version of Reggie Evans if he gets a little stronger and keeps developing.

J_Ray · Jul 10, 2010

This guy just made the roster w/ Matthews signing that huge deal.....

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Second-round pick Evans makes big impression

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Second-round pick Evans makes big impression

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