Jawun Evans (6-0, 190 pounds, 22 years old)
This is a more familiar name. He’s playing for the Northern Arizona Suns this season. The Phoenix Suns could call him up and he could step right in.
Last season with the Los Angeles Clippers as a rookie, he didn’t play too well. In 48 games, he had a 35-28-78 shooting line, making 0.3 threes and averaging 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 0.8 steals with 0.9 turnovers in 16.2 minutes per game.
Those numbers do not stand out. But, they aren’t that bad either. I mean, his shooting percentages definitely weren’t as high as you’d like. However, a 2.33 assist to turnover ratio is decent, especially for a rookie backup. When he was asked to step up, he didn’t do too bad of a job.
In 4 starts last season, he averaged 9 points, 4.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals with only 0.8 turnovers per game. Other than the scoring, those are good numbers.
Good rebounding for his size, decent play maker, good defense and showed he can handle the ball. That’s also a whopping 6.0 assist to turnover ratio, albeit in a limited sample size, as a starter. For the NAZ Suns, he’s had a pretty good season and has shown much improvement on his shot.
Through 11 games, he’s shown off a 49-41-78 shooting line, making 0.8 triples for 18.2 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals with 2.2 turnovers in 29.9 minutes per game. Those are more than decent numbers all across the board.
What’s popped out for me, is how he’s done some talking on the court during Isaiah Canaan’s exit. Nothing verbal that we know of but it appears he’s been watching and making a case for a chance in Phoenix.
From the time Canaan was benched, through his being waived and to date, he’s absolutely gone off in 4 games of action. What do you want in a point guard and what have the Suns been missing at the position?
A good shooter? A good defensive player? Someone that can get to the line? A solid play maker that can set up his team mates? A guy that can make some highlight plays and put up some serious numbers? He’s done all that in this 4 game stretch. He’s, let’s say, caught fire in a bottle.
He’s displayed a very pretty 57-44-76 shooting line, making 1 triple each night and averaging 31.3 points in 34.3 minutes. Wow. That’s 125 points in 137 minutes. Talk about efficiency. He’s also pulled down 5.3 rebounds, dished out 4.8 assists and swiped 2 steals per game during this stretch. Isn’t this exactly what we need in a point guard?
Phoenix could use some one that’s willing to go all out on the court, provide serious effort and play his butt off for the team. Evans looks to be that kind of guy. He absolutely deserves a chance. The Suns front office should already be calling.
Those are the three point guards that are currently unsigned free agents and playing in the G League that I believe the Suns would be wise to take a chance on. What say you?