Tomase: Tyreke Evans exactly player Celtics need to solidify position atop Eastern Conference

Tomase: Tyreke Evans exactly player Celtics need to solidify position atop Eastern Conference

WEEI John Tomase

At some point between now and March 10, the Celtics are going to spend $8.4 million on a player with an expiring contract to bolster their lineup. That player could help put them in the Finals.

That player should be Tyreke Evans.

The Memphis shooting guard is exactly what the Celtics need for their second unit: a versatile scorer who can create his own shot, convert in isolation, and play multiple positions.

He also fits the criteria of players the Celtics can target with the exception they received after Gordon Hayward broke his leg in the opener: he's in the final year of his contract, with no options, and due to hit free agency after the season. The exception expires on March 10.

With the Grizzlies spiraling towards the Western Conference basement -- point guard Mike Conley hasn't played since Nov. 13 after injuring his Achilles -- Memphis is expected to be an active seller before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

And no player makes more sense to move than Evans, a one-year rental on a paltry $3.3 million contract who doesn't fit Memphis's future, but possesses real value to a contender.

Evans has turned back the clock to 2009, when he debuted with the Kings as the No. 4 overall pick and earned Rookie of the Year honors by averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.

Thanks to injuries and the general dysfunction endemic to Sacramento, Evans' numbers dropped for each of the next four years. Multiple knee surgeries limited him to just 65 games in 2016 and 2017, leading to his low-risk signing with the Grizzlies last summer.

All Evans has done since is re-establish himself as a bonafide NBA scorer. He's averaging 19.7 points -- his highest total since his rookie year -- and shooting a career-high .416 from 3-point land.

At 6-foot-6, he has spent the bulk of his career at shooting guard and small forward, but he played some point for John Calipari at the University of Memphis and he has played it again this year in relief of Conley. His college years are relevant, because Celtics boss Danny Ainge reportedly loved his game and considered trading up to acquire him.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that the Grizzlies hope to obtain a first-round pick for Evans, which sounds optimistic. A second-rounder seems more likely for a rental. The Celtics probably won't have one this year -- it goes to Oklahoma City if it's in the top 55 -- but they potentially hold two each in 2019, 2020, and 2022, along with their remaining boatload of first-rounders.

Evan is worth pursuing, because his skills fit Boston's needs. He's not necessarily explosive -- he finishes below the rim -- but he's crafty off the dribble, he knows how to score by shielding defenders with his body, and he has extended beyond the 3-point line in impressive fashion. As recently as four years ago, he shot just .221 on 3's, but this year's .416 is on a career-best 5.3 attempts per game. His release includes a backwards lean that helps create space.

The Celtics run more isolation plays than any team in the East outside of Cleveland, thanks not only to Kyrie Irving on the first unit, but Marcus Morris on the second, and Evans excels in such situations. He's averaging over a point per possession in isolation, which rates ahead of Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he rarely settles. Most of his shot attempts are either layups or 3-pointers, which is the definition of efficiency in the modern NBA.

He's also turning out to be a capable point guard, averaging 5.5 assists since Conley's injury. His vision and size make him a weapon in the pick-and-roll, which the Celtics have run effectively with Marcus Smart throwing lobs to Al Horford and Daniel Theis. Evans has also beaten defenses over the top with long, pinpoint outlet passes all season.

The 12-27 Grizzlies stink, but that hasn't stopped Evans from posting some eye-popping numbers since the start of December: 32-7-7 in a win over the Lakers, 30-7-11 in a win over the Clippers, 29-13-5 in a one-point loss to the Thunder, and 31-7-12 in a close loss to the Cavaliers.

Add some underrated defense -- advanced metrics say the Grizzlies allow nearly five fewer points a game when he's on the floor -- and he sounds like an ideal fit for the Celtics.

It just so happens they not only have a need for him, but they possess the resources to acquire him. Evans' services will be in demand from other contenders, but don't be surprised if Ainge strikes. It simply makes too much sense.

112288

112288,

You make many points for acquiring Evans, and mention that a first round pick is probably too much as well.

He sure is not worth a number one pick for being a rental player, but if Ainge decides not to use his DPE on him (I don't think that he will) who do you think he trades to get Evans (if indeed, he wants him)?

wideclyde wrote:112288,

You make  many points for acquiring Evans, and mention that a first round pick is probably too much as well.

He sure is not worth a number one pick for being a rental player, but if Ainge decides not to use his DPE on him (I don't think that he will) who do you think he trades to get Evans (if indeed, he wants him)?

Just to clarify John Tomase from WEEI wrote the article which I posted.

Yes first round daft pick is excessive. Second round is more likely. I do not think he trades anyone of real value unless a player on a 2 way contract with Maine Red Claw.

112288

What will Boston do with their own 2018 pick? Maybe they can find another Yabusele or a Zizic.

The Celtics have a lot of first rounders on the team and unless they are having an opportunity to draft in the lottery the value of that pick is probably not that important.

Therefore I can see them using their pick to acquire Evans. I do not think that it is too excessive. The worst case scenario is that he is gone after the playoffs and Boston does not get a chance to draft some unknown prospect.

He is a very talented player and was the 4th pick in the 2009 draft. He can score, pass rebound and handle the ball. He could add a boast to the second unit that would enhance the team's chances in the playoffs.

In absence of adding another big I'll go with another wing who is a proven scorer and yes give up a relatively worthless pick in the process.

dboss

112288,

The guys on the two way contracts would not satisfy the NBA monetary factors in a trade by themselves. Perhaps they could be moved, but someone off the roster would have to be added if this is not to be a DPE involved trade.

Then Ainge would have to be satisfied that Evans is better than anyone else he may get in February.

I thought a portion or all of the DOE could be traded as long as it matches incoming salary????