Brooklyn Nets: Why Reggie Evans Is The True X-Factor

Reggie Evans (30) has been the ultimate x-factor for the Brooklyn Nets this season with his sound defense and rebounding skills. (Flikr.com photo by bwjcaptures/Wikimedia Commons).

With star-studded names like Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez, the Brooklyn Nets have had plenty of go-to options throughout the season on their way to a 43-32 record, but you need to look no further than Reggie Evans as the X-factor for Brooklyn this year.

At first glance, you may think I’m insane when you go to ESPN.com and check out the 32-year-old power forward’s numbers, but if you’re basing your rating of a player solely on common statistics, then you’re not doing it right.

Aside from his excellent rebounding skills—which we’ll get into—Evans is responsible for doing a lot of the dirty work for the Nets.  Whether it’s setting ball screens at the top of the key for Williams and Johnson or manning the physical inside presence of another team’s big man, Evans has been crucial to Brooklyn’s success and current fourth seed in the East.

But why don’t we get back into those rebounding numbers, shall we?

Evans is much more than Brooklyn’s leading rebounder, coming in at 10.7 rebounds per game, with Lopez second at 6.9 rebounds per contest.

Think about this: the Nets are 25-15 when Evans pulls down at least 10 boards and are an even more impressive 6-1 in the seven games that Evans has grabbed 20-plus rebounds.  To no one’s surprise, Evans leads the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes, coming in at 21.2 rebounds per 48 minutes, with Omer Asik ranking second with 18.6 rebounds per 48 minutes.

Evans’ rebounding numbers are even more eye-popping when you think about the fact that he’s only 6’8”, in the paint battling against guys who are much bigger than him.

The thing about Evans is that he wants it more than his opponents.  Every coach wants a hustle player like Evans on their squad and that’s exactly what P.J. Carlesimo and Brooklyn have.

The play of Reggie Evans this season has helped the Brooklyn Nets to a 43-32 record and playoff appearance. (Photo by Braxton/Flickr.com)

According to NBA.com’s advanced statistics, Evans accounts for 47 percent of the Nets’ rebounds and is only utilized on offense 10.5 percent of the time.  While he averages just a smidge over four points per game, Evans has shown an ability to finish around the rim and put points on the board, posting 12 games with at least eight points.

More importantly, Evans’ play has only elevated as the season progressed.  Back in February, the PF averaged 3.4 points and 10 rebounds per game and has seen those numbers on the rise, as his totals for March were up to 7.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game.

But make no mistake about it, Evans isn’t in the Nets’ starting lineup for his offensive prowess.

He’s out there to crash the boards—which he’s the best at over 48 minutes—and play solid defense as well as free up Brooklyn’s scorers, which he has excelled at all season.

Thanks in large part to Evans, the Nets rank 10th in the league in rebounding (42.9 per game) and are allowing just 95 points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA.

For his efforts, NBA Geek found that Evans produced 8.3 wins for the Nets this season, which is the highest mark for any Brooklyn player.  There’s absolutely nothing flashy about Evans’ style of play, but when examining the impact that he’s had on the Nets this season, I think it’s safe to say he’s been the ultimate x-factor in Brooklyn.

Not bad for $1.6 million a season, huh?

Follow me on Twitter @Pete_Schauer