Although this post is quite negative (and probably way too long), this is not a trade Tyreke thread.
Tyreke Evans presents quite the quandry.
POINT GUARD TYREKE: Last year Tyreke showed that he could break down the defense and score in traffic or pass to open perimeter shooters. He certainly looked like he had the skills to play point guard and his size was almost equally intriguing defensively. Yes, his shot mechanics were horrendous, but many figured this would improve with time--as it often does. Many figured that the Kings should acquire outside shooters to compliment Tyreke's game, so driving lanes would be open and they could take advantage of his "Lebron of PG's" style. Even then it was clear that Tyreke was more proficient at passing to three point shooters than dishing to bigs down low in traffic--that was just his game.
Unfortunately, the perfect storm came. Petrie did not acquire shooters. Tyreke regressed. There are some rationalizations re: the latter: mild plantar fascitis, defensive adjustments, and so on--and some of these explanations may account for some of the problem. It has been suggested by some that Tyreke was given the keys to the franchise way too early last year and I agree. Tyreke appears to be one of the primary culprits re: not running plays late in games, instead reverting to one-on-one heroics of yesteryear. He probably imagines himself carrying this team in 4th quarters. What he might not remember, and who could with all the 20-5-5 fanfare, is that the Kings had a horrible record last year with this strategy. Forgive my rambling, but the point of this tale is that Tyreke's growth as a PG has obviously been stunted and I think much of it results from how he was handled.
To make things worse, "the blueprint" is probably more influenced by his brothers who are showing him tape of his shooting stroke in high school. Seriously? That's the answer? If I'm a poor shooter, I'm not going to watch tapes of myself 3 years ago ... This approach is sabotaging the Kings' other bright idea: SHOOTING GUARD TYREKE. It's really important that shooting guards can shoot, and Tyreke obviously can't. He's not even close with his attempts of late. If anything, his shot mechanics look identicle to last season. There was talk of Tyreke comming off screens more and bringing the ball up court less, but this hasn't consistently occurred and is not making much of a difference when it does. And the Kings don't really have any other legit options at point guard to make this happen anyway: Beno is a nice back up combo guard for a playoff team and Pooh is a third string PG at best.
Long story short is this: IMHO Tyreke has been led astray by the Kings and his handlers. I think he's probably pretty embarrassed by his recent play, but it's difficult to empathize when he stubbornly forces plays in 4th quarters. He needs to be held accountable, but not shamed. His confidence already appears to be at an all time low right now. He needs to be held to the same standards as a Donte Greene, but this probably will not happen while Westphal is coach because he's already made his bed in this regard.
Lets look at last night. Tyreke shot about 20 percent from the field last night. He turned the ball over again and again in the 4th. The pattern has become so glaring. He's not listening. Players allude to it in the locker room but don't want to call him out--I mean, if Westphal wont do it then how safe do they feel being real? It's long overdue for Westphal to pull Tyreke for bonehead plays and make him accountable. The season is lost anyway. Put Pooh in if you have to: at this point it's less about W's and L's and more about learning to play the game the right way.
Looking toward the future, regardless of how frustrating Tyreke has been this season, he and Demarcus are clearly the core of the Kings' rebuild. Rebuilding isn't only about acquiring young talent, it's about teaching them how to play winning basketball. I'm confident that he will eventually "get it" with proper guidance, the question is when and will he ever get it? Wake up Petrie! Acquire a coach who will hold Evans accountable and get some reliable outside shooters.
Tyreke Evans presents quite the quandry.
POINT GUARD TYREKE: Last year Tyreke showed that he could break down the defense and score in traffic or pass to open perimeter shooters. He certainly looked like he had the skills to play point guard and his size was almost equally intriguing defensively. Yes, his shot mechanics were horrendous, but many figured this would improve with time--as it often does. Many figured that the Kings should acquire outside shooters to compliment Tyreke's game, so driving lanes would be open and they could take advantage of his "Lebron of PG's" style. Even then it was clear that Tyreke was more proficient at passing to three point shooters than dishing to bigs down low in traffic--that was just his game.
Unfortunately, the perfect storm came. Petrie did not acquire shooters. Tyreke regressed. There are some rationalizations re: the latter: mild plantar fascitis, defensive adjustments, and so on--and some of these explanations may account for some of the problem. It has been suggested by some that Tyreke was given the keys to the franchise way too early last year and I agree. Tyreke appears to be one of the primary culprits re: not running plays late in games, instead reverting to one-on-one heroics of yesteryear. He probably imagines himself carrying this team in 4th quarters. What he might not remember, and who could with all the 20-5-5 fanfare, is that the Kings had a horrible record last year with this strategy. Forgive my rambling, but the point of this tale is that Tyreke's growth as a PG has obviously been stunted and I think much of it results from how he was handled.
To make things worse, "the blueprint" is probably more influenced by his brothers who are showing him tape of his shooting stroke in high school. Seriously? That's the answer? If I'm a poor shooter, I'm not going to watch tapes of myself 3 years ago ... This approach is sabotaging the Kings' other bright idea: SHOOTING GUARD TYREKE. It's really important that shooting guards can shoot, and Tyreke obviously can't. He's not even close with his attempts of late. If anything, his shot mechanics look identicle to last season. There was talk of Tyreke comming off screens more and bringing the ball up court less, but this hasn't consistently occurred and is not making much of a difference when it does. And the Kings don't really have any other legit options at point guard to make this happen anyway: Beno is a nice back up combo guard for a playoff team and Pooh is a third string PG at best.
Long story short is this: IMHO Tyreke has been led astray by the Kings and his handlers. I think he's probably pretty embarrassed by his recent play, but it's difficult to empathize when he stubbornly forces plays in 4th quarters. He needs to be held accountable, but not shamed. His confidence already appears to be at an all time low right now. He needs to be held to the same standards as a Donte Greene, but this probably will not happen while Westphal is coach because he's already made his bed in this regard.
Lets look at last night. Tyreke shot about 20 percent from the field last night. He turned the ball over again and again in the 4th. The pattern has become so glaring. He's not listening. Players allude to it in the locker room but don't want to call him out--I mean, if Westphal wont do it then how safe do they feel being real? It's long overdue for Westphal to pull Tyreke for bonehead plays and make him accountable. The season is lost anyway. Put Pooh in if you have to: at this point it's less about W's and L's and more about learning to play the game the right way.
Looking toward the future, regardless of how frustrating Tyreke has been this season, he and Demarcus are clearly the core of the Kings' rebuild. Rebuilding isn't only about acquiring young talent, it's about teaching them how to play winning basketball. I'm confident that he will eventually "get it" with proper guidance, the question is when and will he ever get it? Wake up Petrie! Acquire a coach who will hold Evans accountable and get some reliable outside shooters.
How many times did that happen in the GSW game??? 5.....6?
