By the Numbers: Jeremy Evans

The Dallas Mavericks brought in forward Jeremy Evans this offseason to inject some youth and athleticism to the front court behind 37-year old Dirk Nowitzki.

More from The Smoking Cuban

Evans’ career highlight thus far was winning the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest as he had trouble seeing much action during his time in Utah.

Get to know a little more about what he can offer the Mavericks with some important numbers to know.

10.8: Jeremy Evans spent five seasons with the Jazz but only averaged 10.8 minutes per game in that span. Only once did he average more than double digit minutes for a season, two seasons ago at 18.3 per game. Last season he got 7.0 minutes of run for the 38-44 Jazz.

With the only other options on the roster being Dwight Powell and Charlie Villanueva, Evans figures to receive a lot of minutes backing up Dirk Nowitzki, who should see his 29.6 minutes a night decline further in 2015-16. Is he ready for such a role? It’s an underrated storyline heading into training camp.

45″: The Mavericks needed to incorporate some athleticism in to the roster this offseason and adding Jeremy Evans was a great start because the dude can jump. Ronny Turiaf found that out the hard way.

Evans’ vertical leap is the stuff of legends, checking at 45″a year ago. That athleticism can help replace what the Mavericks had with Tyson Chandler and Brandan Wright in pick-and-roll sets. Dwight Powell is athletic but he isn’t on the same level as Evans. That may end up being what separates the two.

3: As in feet from the hoop the Mavericks want Jeremy Evans to shoot the ball. Evans shot 78.8% from within three feet last season and is at nearly 75% there for his career. Granted, it’s a fairly limited sample size but it makes sense for him as a guy who hustles for put backs and does most of his damage in transition and above the rim.

But the Mavericks could probably live without him trying to do much elsewhere. According to Basketball-Reference he shot 33.3% from 3-10 feet, 20.0% from 10-16 feet, and 0.0% from 16 feet out to the three-point line last season.

Evans definitely has a distinct skill-set but his talents will serve the Mavericks well in some areas and he could be effective in a small-ball lineup.

Next: Dallas Mavericks Training Camp Preview

More from The Smoking Cuban

Home/Mavs News