Indiana Pacers: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards
By Owen Nelson
Sixth Man of the Year: Tyreke Evans
After inking a one-year, $12 million deal, Tyreke Evans will be looking to back his great season of last year. Evans had a resurgence during his sole year with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 19.4 points per game — his highest point average since his rookie season. Furthermore, Evans made a career-high 39.9 percent of his 3s.
Obviously, since the Pacers have Victor Oladipo occupying the shooting position, Evans’ best bet may be coming off the bench. He’ll have the chance to control the second unit while destroying the opposition’s second unit.
Evans was always destined to be a point guard, up until the Sacramento Kings ruined that early in his career. If he is allowed to play point guard for the Pacers, it could be a game-changer as the first man off the bench.
Being a triple-double threat on a nightly basis, we could see some incredible box scores from Evans this upcoming season. I think Evans has a great chance at winning the Sixth Man of the Year award this season.