Portland Trail Blazers: 5 options for pick No. 24 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
No. 1: Jacob Evans
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Age: 20
- Position: SF/SG
Jacob Evans played three seasons at University of Cincinnati and developed into one of the smartest defenders in college basketball. He has an NBA-ready body and high enough basketball IQ to be a long-term contributor in the NBA.
In his final season playing for Cincinnati, Evans averaged 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 30.8 minutes per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 37 percent from the 3-point line.
Yahoo Story: Cincinnati junior Jacob Evans makes decision on whether he'll remain in 2018 NBA draft. https://t.co/Vqw0WS32DP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 11, 2018
Evans is a good defender on the wing one-on-one, but is an even better team defender. That will translate well into the NBA.
He can also be a solid contributor on offense. Evans shoots the ball well with a smooth, fast jump shot. He will be a better player with more space in the NBA. He can have the ball in his hands and make plays. Evans might be one of the best 3-and-D players in this year’s draft.
He could be a role player off the bench for the Blazers for his first couple seasons or could even possibly start at the small forward. Evans knows his role and does not try to do too much when he is on the floor.
The Ringer compared him to guys like Jae Crowder and Wesley Matthews, and labeled him as a “classic 3-and-D prospect who shoots and defends well, though he’s not a jump-out-of-the-gym athlete.”
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Portland had success with Matthews in the past. Since he left for Dallas, they haven’t had a guy like him. Evans is a tough, competitive player who makes winning plays. He is the type of guy the Trail Blazers need to add to their roster if they want to be a more competitive team in the NBA.