Ex-tiger Evans says he’ll adjust with N.O.
OK at any of 3 positions
METAIRIE, La. — Former University of Memphis star Tyreke Evans isn’t bothered by the on-court uncertainty accompanying his arrival in New Orleans.
At this point, no one knows how much the former NBA rookie of the year will play at either small forward, shooting guard or point guard for the Peli- cans — only that he’ll probably play all three.
For his part, the 6- 6 Evans, who visited Pelicans headquarters Thursday, said he has “no problem at all” playing extended minutes on the wing instead of his usual guard spot, if that’s what coach Monty Williams needs. Evans said he was ready for a fresh start after spending his first four NBA seasons on losing teams in Sacramento, and said he was eager to join New Orleans’ core of young, up-andcoming players, including an old friend from AAU basketball, point-guard Jrue Holiday.
“I made a new start in my life in New Orleans, so I’m happy to be here and excited to get started with the new players, a good group of guys, all young guys,” Evans said. “I’m looking forward to playing with those guys.”
Williams, meanwhile, found it refreshing to receive a tal-
ented young player who made it clear he wanted to be in New Orleans — the opposite of the coach’s experience with Chris Paul, whose desire to be traded two years ago started a rebuilding project that is now picking up steam.
“It’s always important that we not only bring in talent like Tyreke, but we also have somebody that wants to be here,” Williams said. “That’s something that’s paramount for me as a coach.”
Evans joined New Or- leans as part of a threeteam trade also involving Portland. The deal was done July 4 but not made official under NBA rules until Wednesday. A source says Evans’ contract will pay $44 million over four years.
Although Evans seems most suited to playing shooting guard, he has experience at point guard and small forward. He averaged 20.1 points in his rookie season, but his scoring average has dropped slightly each year since, down to 15.2 last season.
In New Orleans, Evans joins a club that already has a starting backcourt of Holiday and Eric Gor- don. Holiday was an Eastern Conference All-Star with Philadelphia last season, and he was acquired during this year’s draft in a trade that sent sixth overall pick Nerlens Noel and a protected 2014 firstround pick to the 76ers. Gordon has had trouble staying healthy — play- ing 51 games the past two seasons — but he has been New Orleans’ leading scorer when available.
When asked how he’ll fit with the Pelicans, Evans said, “I don’t know yet. It’s a new process. We’ve got a good guard lineup, so I’m just looking forward to going out there and playing.”