<table width= is on the bad side of expectations. An exciting rookie season netted him comparisons to some all-time greats statistically, but injuries and a stagnation in his development have yielded positional confusion and a legitimate doubt as to his long-term standing with the Kings, let alone the NBA's elite.
Evans is up for a contract extension this year with the Kings, but amid talk of him being put on the trading block, Kings GM Geoff Petrie told Yahoo Sports that Evans, the 2010 Rookie of the Year, is not a priority. Ouch. From Yahoo:
Asked about Evans' contract situation, Petrie said: "I don't think it's something on the front burner at this point. Going forward salary cap-wise, we have a lot of flexibility. There are no real concerns about our ability to pay going forward because of our future numbers. The most important thing in the big picture is that Tyreke takes his game to another level. The reward for that is ultimately what's greater in a lot of respects."
via Tyreke Evans faces uncertain future with Kings - Yahoo! Sports.
Evans not being on the front-burner can be for a lot of reasons, including the Kings finances and simple management of what Evans will get on the open market. But Evans, despite not having gotten considerably better since his rookie season, is still a quality player with elite athleticism, great finishing ability, and a unique skillset.
The Kings have continuously moved him from spot-to-spot, though, while still filling in the roster at positions he plays at. John Salmons, Jimmer Fredette, Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, all create redundancies at various positions. It may be time for the Kings to either commit to Evans or move on from him and get what they can for him on the market.
