Tyreke Evans Plans to Show Off His Improved Jumpshot

NBA defenses typically lay off Tyreke Evans and dare him to shoot. According to ‘Reke, that strategy will no longer be effective, thanks his new-and-improved jumper. From the Sac Bee: “Evans shot 60 percent (295 of 492) within five feet of the rim last season and 27.7 percent (113 of 408) from beyond. He won the 2010 Rookie of the Year award based on his driving ability. It looked too easy. Then injuries and collapsing defenses dared Evans to rely on an unreliable jump shot. ‘People just started looking at film and started trying to keep me from going to the basket,’ he said. ‘This year, I’m going to have to go to the pull-up (jump shot). I’m still going to go in there, no matter what, but I want to go to the pull-up too.’ [Keith] Smart believes Evans’ work isn’t motivated by the prospect of a new contract. The deadline for Evans to receive an extension is Oct. 31. The coach says Evans is simply growing up. ‘Here, you’re playing against Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade, and they’re backing off, inviting you to shoot,’ Smart said. ‘That’s telling you that you haven’t worked on your shooting. He isn’t disrespecting you; that’s just telling you that you have work, son.’ So Evans went to work, determined to show up in training camp in shape and with better shooting mechanics.”