Cincinnati Bearcats in the NBA Season Review: Jacob Evans

The Numbers

• 1.3 points per game
• 0.8 assists per game
• 0.8 rebounds per game
• .340 field goal percentage
• .267 three-point percentage

Getting to experience a deep run in the playoffs as a rookie is one of the benefits of being drafted by one of the best teams in the NBA. That is just what Jacob Evans got after he was selected 28th overall by the Golden State Warriors in last year’s draft, as he spent his first season at the professional level learning and playing with a team that had been to the finals in four-straight seasons. They would make it five this past season and although they fell short to the Toronto Raptors, Evans was able to see what it takes to reach the precipice of a championship. That’s the type of invaluable experience that some players go their whole careers without ever experiencing.

Playing on such a talented team also has its drawbacks. With the Warriors having a clearly established identity and a roster of All Stars, Evans didn’t get a chance to step right in and play all that frequently. During the playoffs, he played in seven games and never reached a double-digit minute total. Likewise, during the regular season, he spent a great deal of time traveling between Santa Cruz and Oakland, playing 21 games for the Santa Cruz Warriors and 30 for Golden State. With Santa Cruz, he averaged 11.2 points per game on shooting splits of .437/.305/.789. He even contributed in the playoffs, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the floor in two games before Santa Cruz was eliminated.

With Golden State, Evans’ opportunities were much more limited, but that was to be expected. He averaged 6.8 minutes per game across 30 contests and that yielded averages of 1.3 points, 0.8 assists and 0.8 rebounds per outing. If you expand that production to a per 100 possession basis, it equates to 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. With infrequent playing time, Evans was unable to establish his shot effectively and he only made 34 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from three.

The Best of the Best

Oct. 24, 2018 vs. Washington Wizards

In his second career appearance, Evans scored two points, handed out two assists and produced a +4 mark in plus/minus in a little more than four minutes.

Oct. 29, 2018 at Chicago Bulls

Although Evans did not score a point in this game, he played for more than 16 minutes and had two assists. It was the first time he ever logged more than 10 minutes in a game.

Nov. 15, 2018 at Houston Rockets

This game is mostly noteworthy because it is when Evans knocked down his first career three-pointer.

March 5, 2019 vs. Boston Celtics

The Warriors may have lost this game by 33 points, but Evans scored six points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting effort while adding three rebounds and two assists.

April 9, 2019 at New Orleans Pelicans

Using a career-high in playing time (36:30), Evans tallied 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting while adding five rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocked shots.

April 10, 2019 at Memphis Grizzlies

Evans produced eight points, four assists and three rebounds in a little more than 25 minutes, while going 2-for-3 from three-point range.

April 18, 2019 at Los Angeles Clippers

The Warriors won this first round playoff game by 27 points and Evans tallied five points on 2-for-2 from the floor. He played more than seven minutes in this game but would not get nearly as much time in any game the rest of the postseason.

For Next Year

Even a dynasty like the Warriors must deal with what is shaping up to be a tumultuous offseason. Just how the roster shakes out for next season won’t be entirely known for a little while, which means Evans’ role for the team is up in the air as well. Regardless of what happens in free agency, the most important things for him to work on are his efficiency from the field, especially three-point range, and his ability to defend multiple positions effectively. If he shows progress in those areas, he should begin to get more chances.