Evans looking to go from good to great
On the same day he was named the NBA’s top rookie, Tyreke Evans(notes) is already looking ahead toward what he needs to do to get better.
Evans, who was presented with the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year award on Thursday in Sacramento, Calif., said he plans to be back in the gym on June 1 to train with workout guru Rob McClanaghan. Evans’ main goal is to become a dependable 3-point shooter, his biggest weakness.
“I don’t want to be just good,” Evans said by phone. “I want to be known as a great player in this league.”
Evans averaged 20.1 points, a team-high 5.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings this season. But if there was a knock on his game, it was his outside shot. He made just 25.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Evans is expected to train with Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose(notes) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook(notes) this summer. McClanaghan played a strong role in helping Rose improve his jump shot last offseason.
“With ’Reke, we’ll work on extending his mid-range jumper to 3-point range and getting his shot off quicker,” McClanaghan said. “What he really wants to do is extend his shot from 17-18 feet to the NBA three. He’s a worker. You get him in the gym he’s going to give you 100 percent for sure. And now he’s committing to getting here early. We met last week, and I’m pretty happy he wants to work out this quick.”
Evans also is excited about being part of USA Basketball’s senior national this summer. He will join USA Basketball executive managing director Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski in Las Vegas on Tuesday to announce the team’s minicamp in July. Evans, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry(notes), who finished second in Rookie of the Year balloting, Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince(notes) and Oklahoma City forward Jeff Green(notes) are expected to be added to the roster. Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo(notes) has declined.
Evans joined Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James(notes) as the only players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in their rookie seasons. The fourth overall pick in last year’s draft also was named the MVP of the All-Star Rookie Challenge.
Evans cited his consistency as a key to winning the award.
“I was consistent since the start of the season,” Evans said. “The whole time it was about being consistent. It was a goal of mine to win the award. It is a big award to me.”
