No. 5:Tyreke Evans
Based on recent and past NBA history, the league’s Rookie of the Year award generally serves as a springboard to future greatness. In just the past 10 years, winners of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy have included LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin and Kyrie Irving, who’ve combined to accumulate 26 All-Star appearances, two NBA championships, four league scoring titles and each of the past five MVP awards.
Tyreke Evans, the league’s premier rookie in 2009-10, has yet to earn a selection to the All-Star Game, but quickly demonstrated his immense potential in Sacramento. Evans was just the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, joining an exclusive club that included Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and James.
Unfortunately for Evans and the Kings, the constant turmoil and instability marked Evans’ four-year tenure with the franchise. Amid what had become annual question marks about the team’s future in Sacramento, the Kings have had six different head coaches since 2006. During Evans’ four seasons, the team went 25-57, 24-58, 22-44 and 28-54. Individually, Evans’ role was constantly in flux in Sacramento, with him shifting from point guard to shooting guard to small forward, depending on the ever-changing mix of Kings players surrounding him.
New Orleans represents a fresh start for the 24-year-old, who is feared for his ability to slash to the rim and attract double-teams from opposing defenses. In addition to the stability that’s been lacking throughout Evans’ time as a pro, Pelicans such as Ryan Anderson and Anthony Morrow may deliver something else Evans has never experienced in the NBA. The attention-drawing Evans would appear to benefit greatly from having accurate shooting around him, but the Kings finished an average of 21st in three-point percentage during Evans’ tenure, including 29th in 2011-12.