Hoops
NBA Mock Draft 2017: Where Experts Project Jawun Evans to Land
We’re a little over one day away from the 2017 NBA Draft, where OSU point guard Jawun Evans is hoping to hear his name called in the first round by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
By the looks of some of the latest NBA mock drafts across the media landscape, there’s a good chance it could happen.
Evans has worked out for the Spurs, Lakers, Hawks, Pacers Jazz and Thunder, among others, during the pre-draft process. But with the latest trade buzz and transactions that have sent Dwight Howard to the Hornets, D’Angelo Russell to the Nets, and Brook Lopez to the Lakers, with more trades potentially looming, the needs for teams and where they may be selecting are constantly in flux.
Here’s a look at where the former OSU standout is being projected.
DraftExpress: Round 2, Pick 38 | Chicago Bulls
With Rajon Rondo as the stop-gap for the future at the position, and Cam Payne almost certainly not the long-term option at point guard, Jawun could be a nice fit with the Bulls and Fred Hoiberg’s offensive style that’s pick-and-roll heavy.
Oklahoma State ran a pick and roll heavy offense with 56.3% of Evans’ total derived offensive possessions (which includes shots, passes, fouls drawn, and turnovers) ending as the pick and roll ball handler according to Synergy Sports Technology. He showed that he is comfortable attacking the ball screen in a variety of ways, whether by rejecting the screen to get into the lane or forcing a switch to attack a big man off the dribble. He gets into space with a creative change of pace and impressive downhill quickness to bend the defense, and he should be able to seamlessly make the transition to a NBA style offense as he led the most efficient offense in the country primarily through his pick and roll attack. [DraftExpress]
CBS Sports: Round 1, Pick 29 | San Antonio Spurs
Now we’re talking. Tony Parker is nearing retirement and coming off a brutal leg injury, and Patty Mills is likely going to be out of the Spurs’ price range in bringing him back. That leaves an aging Parker and a youngster in Dejounte Murray as the lone point guards in San Antonio.
Give Evans the keys.
Evans is little and not necessarily a run-the-team point guard. But he’s so good in pick-and-roll situations that there’s no obvious reason he can’t become an instant-offense scorer off of somebody’s bench. And San Antonio needs point guard help, obviously. So this pick would add a talented piece and also fill a need. [CBS Sports]
ESPN: Round 2, Pick 33 | Orlando Magic
Elfrid Payton isn’t the Magic’s long-term (or short-term) option. Neither is journeyman D.J. Augustin, which is why this projection makes sense.
The Magic need a point guard in the worst way to help facilitate around a young core that includes Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Mario Hezonja. Evans’ ability to score off the bounce—something the Magic need nearly as bad as a point guard—could be a major factor in Orlando’s decision.
NBA.com: Round 1, Pick 30 | Utah Jazz
If Gordon Hayward decides to re-sign with the Jazz this offseason instead of opting for up-and-comers Boston or Miami, Utah will field a talented core that includes Rudy Gobert, Hayward, and George Hill. Adding Evans to the mix as a facilitator would be lethal.
Evans should not be overlooked in a class with many other point guards rated higher and was not lost in Oklahoma State’s bad start to conference play as part of a 20-13 season. Evans has the speed to compensate for any concerns, handles the ball well, and would be coming out with two years of experience at a major program against tough competition. Teams see a backup point guard of the future available late in the first round. [NBA.com]
Sports Illustrated: Round 2, Pick 38 | Chicago Bulls
As mentioned above, Rondo isn’t getting any younger. And Cam Payne isn’t transforming into Russell Westbrook anytime soon.
The Bulls’ revolving door of playmakers could be stabilized at least somewhat with a dice roll on Evans. He’s undersized, but does a lot of smaller things well and would certainly help the Bulls play faster. Evans has a shot at the first round, but slips in this scenario based on teams’ needs. [SI]
The NBA Draft will air on ESPN Thursday night beginning at 6:00 p.m. central time.
‘Made it Work’: How John Smith’s Coaching Career Began at 26 Alongside Teammate Kenny Monday
The Top 5 Quotes from John Smith’s Retirement News Conference
Wide Receiver Prospect Kameron Powell Commits to Oklahoma State
Report: Former Arkansas Guard Davonte Davis to Visit Oklahoma State
Wyoming Transfer Brendan Wenzel to Visit Oklahoma State This Week
Notebook: Stribling Back, Clay Squatting 635 and Glass Fitting in Well
OSU Wrestling: After Disappointing College Career Ending, Daton Fix Eyes Bigger Goal at Olympic Team Trials
Daily Bullets (Apr. 18): John Smith’s Early Morning Work, OSU after an OSU Running Back?
OSU Wrestling: How John Smith Started a Tradition of Late-Night Workouts For Cowboys Seeking World Glory
Daily Bullets (Apr. 17): Another Receiver Commit Added, John Smith Statue?
-
Wrestling5 days ago‘Made it Work’: How John Smith’s Coaching Career Began at 26 Alongside Teammate Kenny Monday
-
Wrestling3 days agoThe Top 5 Quotes from John Smith’s Retirement News Conference
-
Football4 days agoWide Receiver Prospect Kameron Powell Commits to Oklahoma State
-
Hoops4 days agoReport: Former Arkansas Guard Davonte Davis to Visit Oklahoma State