Guard progressing despite the labels
TORONTO — It didn’t take long for Warriors fans to give Jacob Evans III the worst of labels: “bust.”
That he was drafted No. 28, a spot loaded with players who don’t stick past their rookie contracts, didn’t seem to matter to those who remember well the front office’s hopes to play him immediately. But though some outsiders gave him little chance of resuscitating his career, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr was impressed with Evans’ subtle strides.
His ability to defend multiple positions compelled Kerr to give Evans some meaningful playing time in the first round and Western Conference finals. In 18 total minutes in the playoffs, Evans posted five points, one assist and one rebound.
According to NBA.com, the Warriors outscored opponents by a 5.4 net rating with Evans on the floor in the playoffs — good enough for fifth on the team, behind Kevon Looney, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. Golden State’s net rating dropped to 3.3 without Evans.
“We’ve been really pleased with his progress,” Kerr said of Evans. “He’s always been a capable defender, and his shot is starting to fall.”
Evans was the third-to-last player taken in the first round of last June’s draft, but he faced heightened expectations when general manager Bob Myers announced at his introductory news conference that the Warriors believed he could have a meaningful role as a rookie. What Myers didn’t know at the time was that Evans was dealing with a lingering hand injury from college that affected his shooting motion.
By the time Evans ironed out his mechanics, the Warriors had solidified their rotation. In search of consistent minutes, Evans shuttled between Golden State and its G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.
As a rookie, Evans totaled just 204 minutes in 30 NBA games. His numbers in 21 appearances with Santa Cruz — 11.2 points on 43.7% shooting, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists — were far from dominant.
However, there were flashes of Evans’ potential: a 24-point, five-assist outing against the Stockton Kings; an 18-point game against the Salt Lake City Stars; an 18-point, four-assist game against the Memphis Hustle. Those inside Golden State’s organization now believe that, with a bit more seasoning, Evans still could be a valuable rotation player.
At Las Vegas Summer League next month, he’ll play some point guard. With Shaun Livingston expected to retire this summer and Quinn Cook an unrestricted free agent, Evans could earn time next season as Stephen Curry’s backup, a development that would help him shed that “bust” label.
“He’s still young,” Kerr said. “People forget that our guys rarely play as rookies. Look at someone like Kevon (Looney) — he was a nonfactor his first couple of years, and now he’s a key piece for us.”