Making a case for the Celtics to acquire Tyreke Evans


Yes, I know what you are thinking. The dreaded injury history. Tyreke Evans certainly has had his share, and more, of injuries, but this season he has looked very healthy and productive with the Memphis Grizzlies. He turned 28 years old in September. He is 6'6" and 220 pounds with a very long 6'11.25" wingspan. Here are some thoughts from GrizzlyBearBlues' Jack Noonan:

For Tyreke Evans’s whole career, he has been a player who can score at will while possessing the ball-handling intangibles that set him above other guys at his size. He has the great ability to drive to the paint with his length and quickness anytime he wants. The alpha dog mentality does limit the passing from Evans some when he drives in, but that’s just what you sign up for with this player. He is hell on wheels, often attacking the rim with reckless abandon.

This season, Tyreke is averaging 30.8 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 4.3 RPG. He is shooting 46.8% on field goals and 41.2% on threes. Taken fourth overall in the 2009 NBA draft, Evans was chosen Rookie of the Year. Memphis currently has the third worst record in the League with a 10-24 record. If they choose to go into rebuild mode, Evans may not be in their plans. Here is Jack Noonan once again:

Coach Fizdale may have a decision coming up soon about whether to insert Evans into the starting lineup until one of these injured players get back. Andrew Harrison (-0.1 VORP!!), James Ennis III, and Jarell Martin are all question marks in the starting rotation. It may not be good to tinker with what’s been working for Evans, but you’ve got to wonder how the integration of Wayne Selden Jr and Ben McLemore will affect Evans in the lineup.

Tyreke Evans is signed with Memphis for only this season at roughly 3.3-million, thus fitting him into the Celtics Disabled Player Exception. He plays three positions (PG, SG, SF), is a versatile wing with length, and is having a terrific season. Memphis fans love him, and so would the folks in Boston. There is little to lose and Tyreke seems like a fine addition to a Boston bench that, at times, screams for more production.

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