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Brooklyn Nets Should Consider Jawun Evans in the NBA Draft

By Christian Milcos

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) looks to pass the ball during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) looks to pass the ball during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) shoots the ball as Kansas Jayhawks guard Devonte’ Graham (4) and forward Cheick Diallo (13) look on during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU won 86-67. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) shoots the ball as Kansas Jayhawks guard Devonte’ Graham (4) and forward Cheick Diallo (13) look on during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU won 86-67. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

Spreading the Floor

Evans has a high ceiling as a shooter at the next level. His percentages slightly declined across the board between his freshman and sophomore seasons. This is to be expected when a player attempts nearly seven more shots a contest from one year to the next. He was still able to post very efficient numbers while being a floor general.

As for a potential fit lineup-wise on the Nets, he presents some intriguing options. Evans possesses dynamic scoring abilities and has the ability to run an offense. Evans’ floor is as a reserve. In Brooklyn, he would be best suited as a third or fourth guard. Evans could backup Lin and be a nice compliment in the back court next to a spot up shooter such as Joe Harris. There is also a lot of potential for a lineup which includes Lin and Evans playing together in the backcourt. Lin occasionally played next to Kemba Walker (who has a similar build to Evans) in Charlotte a couple of seasons ago. This configuration proved to be quite effective. The Hornets were +34.6 points per 100 possessions when using one particular lineup involving both Lin and Walker.

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As touched upon previously, Evans may be most effective in a lineup including several shooters, which the Nets certainly do not lack. Per 40 minutes last season, Evans handed out 8.7 assists per game. Oklahoma State ended up finishing top 10 in the nation for team points per game (85.7). Evans’ ability to draw the defense’s attention away from the perimeter presents ample opportunities for shooters to get open, as seen numerous times this season.

This type of leadership is something that should not be underrated. While an international prospect like Frank Ntilinka may have high upside, he has yet to feel the pressure that comes with playing basketball on a big stage in America. Evans has invaluable experience playing in front of hostile crowds in a competitive Big 12 basketball circuit.