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What to Expect: Tyreke Evans

A familiar face is returning to the Capital City. Tyreke Evans is back with the Sacramento Kings.

Evans comes as part of Monday’s trade that includes rookie Buddy Hield and third-year point guard Langston Galloway. Playing in his eighth season, the 27-year-old guard/forward is averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game.

Evans has continued to be as versatile as he was during his previous stint in Sacramento. Over the course of his time in New Orleans, the Pelicans utilized the veteran at a variety of positions. Coming off the bench or playing as a starter, Evans found ways to contribute at the point guard, shooting guard or small forward spots for NOLA.

Kings fans will also recall his ability to slice through defenses utilizing his craftiness and ball-handling skill. That is still the case for the veteran, who has continued to attack the rim at a relatively high rate. According to Basketball-Reference, he is shooting 53.5 percent on attempts around the basket this season. Of his 227 shots this year, approximately 44 percent of them have come closest to the rim.

Drafted with the fourth overall pick by the Kings in 2009, Evans spent the first four seasons of his career in Sacramento. During his previous stint in the Capital City, he posted averages of 17.5 points, 4.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds.

His most memorable season with the Kings came at the onset of his professional career. Evans averaged 20.1 points, 5.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game en route to winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2010. The feat also put him in rare company, becoming the first player in the modern era to average at least 20, five and five as a first-year player since Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Oscar Robertson.


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