Golden State Warriors: 5 reasons Jacob Evans was a good pick

Photo by Joshua Leung/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Joshua Leung/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Golden State Warriors
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images /

2. Physical and mental tools this team craves

The Golden State Warriors play a specific brand of basketball, one that many teams try to mimic but rarely can do so accurately or effectively. Their philosophy, instilled by head coach Steve Kerr, believes that the ball touching the hands of as many players as possible creates buy-in and efficient offense.

To institute such a scheme, the Warriors need five players on the court with the ability to pass the ball, the intelligence to see where to pass it, and the humility to keep the ball moving instead of creating their own shot. Unless your name is Kevin Durant, seeking your shot is not a better decision than getting the ball to the open man.

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Jacob Evans was a player hand-crafted to fill that role for the Warriors. He played all season as the best player on the Bearcats, but never in a way that dominated the ball or subverted his teammates. His passing ability will fit right into what his new team is seeking to accomplish. When he ends up as the open man, he will have the confidence to shoot the ball and the ability to see it go in.

Defensively,, Evans can be a seamless fit as well. His instincts and quick hands make him a perfect candidate for Andre Iguodala-lite, and he can fill that role when Iguodala is off the floor or sitting out the game. While he does not quite have Iguodala’s reach — and few if any players have his defensive savvy — he has the outline of a player who can help on defense from early on.

A player created in a Golden State laboratory would perhaps be a little longer, but otherwise Evans is the ideal match for what this team needs in a role player. The fit is perfect, and that should propel Evans into a spot in the rotation this season.