What happened to Tyreke Evans ?

One of the biggest mysteries in the NBA over the past few years has been Tyreke Evans. Evans is an extremely talented player.  He is 6"5 and a burly 220lbs.  His stature combined with versatile skills make him a nightmare match up for guards around the NBA.

Evans had one of the best rookie seasons for a point guard in NBA history.  He captured the 2009-2010 NBA Rookie of the Year award.  Evans is only the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20.1ppg,  5.3rpg and 5.8apg.  Magic Johnson averaged 18ppg,  7.7apg and 7.3apg as a rookie back in 1980.  Evans is certainly in elite company.  Watching Evans during his rookie campaign was similar to watching LeBron James as a rookie.  A beautiful combination of size,  speed and grace flying down the court with the awareness and skill of a man six inches shorter.  Evans magical rookie year concluded with him capturing a spot on the all rookie first team and co MVP of the NBA rookie challenge.  Tyreke Evans had a better rookie season than Derrick Rose.  Rose came into the NBA in a better situation.

Those were the good old days for Evans.  His sophomore year didn't begin promising.  Evans appeared to have gotten lazy after a stellar first year in the league.  He reported to camp out of shape,  which is a not a good sign in a league as tough as the NBA.  Evans minutes decreased with the emergence of Isaiah Thomas and was often slid over to the off guard position.

The remainder of Evans time in Sacramento would prove to be tumultuous.  Often coming off the bench his numbers slipped to 15.2ppg, 4.4rpg and 3.5apg during his final year with the Kings.  A change of scenery was certainly needed.

This change would come on July 10, 2013.  Evans was shipped to the New Orleans Pelicans via a three team trade involving the Portland Trailblazers.  Adjusting to a new team can be a difficult transition.  Being a guard only enhances the pressure.  In his first year in New Orleans Evans numbers have dropped drastically.  He averages a career low 12.7ppg and 4.3rpg.  Evans has never been a good three point shooter.  His average has dropped to a putrid 14.9% this season.

Evans experienced another low point on Sunday.  He was benched by head coach Monty Williams against Brooklyn for conduct detrimental to the team.  The issue has gotten more publicity than expected.  Players get benched all the time,  right?  Evans shied away from media attention when asked about his latest run in with his head coach.

Evans response to being benched was classic.  He returned to the line up Monday to post 23 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assist and 3 steals while logging 32 minutes.  Evans was a blistering 10-14 from the field with only two turnovers. 

Evans fall from grace has been mind boggling to say the least.  His performance Monday is indicative of what he is capable of doing.  People get annoyed when I say this but Tyreke Evans reminds me of LeBron James when he is focused.  Hopefully after this latest hick up Evans can return to elite form.  New Orleans is a guard loaded team.  Evans has the potential to be the best of those guards.  Tyreke Evans and Anthony Davis have the potential to be a guard forward combination to reckon with for years to come in the NBA.