New Orleans Pelicans Codexery

Tyreke Evans

The versatile guard who delivered a career-high 41 points and a game-winner for New Orleans.

Tyreke Evans was acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans on July 10, 2013, in a sign-and-trade deal involving three teams. During his tenure with the Pelicans, he delivered memorable performances, including a career-high 41 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder and a game-clinching shot against the Portland Trail Blazers. His time in New Orleans was marked by flashes of brilliance, though it was also interrupted by multiple knee surgeries.

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Lore & Background

Evans joined the Pelicans in a three-team sign-and-trade on July 10, 2013, which sent Robin Lopez to the Portland Trail Blazers and Greivis Vásquez to the Kings. On December 30, 2013, he hit the game-clinching shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in a victory over the Trail Blazers. On April 14, 2014, he scored a career-high 41 points during a 101–89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a 101–95 win over his former team, the Sacramento Kings, Evans tallied a near triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. His 2015–16 season was delayed by right knee surgery, causing him to miss the Pelicans' first 17 games. He returned on December 1, 2015, recording 20 points and 10 assists in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. On December 11, 2015, he scored 27 points and hit a career-high 5 three-pointers in a 105–103 win versus the Washington Wizards. On February 11, 2016, he underwent another round of surgery to his right knee and was ruled out for the rest of the season. On December 15, 2016, in his first game since January 25, he played 11 minutes and posted 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists during a 102–95 victory over the Indiana Pacers. On January 12, 2017, Evans scored a season-high 29 points in a 104–95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

In Their Own Story

The New Orleans crowd buzzed as Evans dribbled near the three-point line, the clock ticking down. It was December 30, 2013, and the Pelicans were locked in a tight battle with the Portland Trail Blazers. With 1.2 seconds remaining, Evans rose up and released a shot that would clinch the game. The ball sailed through the net, and the arena erupted. Months later, on April 14, 2014, he put on a scoring clinic against the Oklahoma City Thunder, pouring in a career-high 41 points to lead the Pelicans to a 101–89 victory. But the highs were met with lows. After missing the first 17 games of the 2015–16 season recovering from right knee surgery, Evans returned on December 1, 2015, posting 20 points and 10 assists in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Just ten days later, he hit a career-high 5 three-pointers in a win over the Washington Wizards. Then, on February 11, 2016, another surgery on his right knee ended his season. He fought back, returning on December 15, 2016, for his first game since January 25, playing 11 minutes in a win over the Indiana Pacers. On January 12, 2017, he scored a season-high 29 points in a victory over the Brooklyn Nets, a final flash of the talent that had defined his time in New Orleans.

Reader's Guide

Tyreke Evans arrived in New Orleans on July 10, 2013, via a three-team sign-and-trade that sent Robin Lopez to the Portland Trail Blazers and Greivis Vásquez to the Sacramento Kings. His tenure with the Pelicans was defined by explosive scoring and playmaking, but also by significant injury setbacks. | Milestone | Date | Significance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Game-winning shot | December 30, 2013 | Hit the game-clinching shot with 1.2 seconds remaining vs. Portland Trail Blazers | | Career-high points | April 14, 2014 | Scored 41 points in a 101–89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder | | Near triple-double | — | Tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists in a 101–95 win over the Sacramento Kings | | Season debut after knee surgery | December 1, 2015 | Recorded 20 points and 10 assists in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies after missing 17 games | | Career-high three-pointers | December 11, 2015 | Hit 5 three-pointers in a 105–103 win over the Washington Wizards | | Return from second knee surgery | December 15, 2016 | Played 11 minutes in a 102–95 win over the Indiana Pacers, his first game since January 25 | | Season-high with Pelicans | January 12, 2017 | Scored 29 points in a 104–95 win over the Brooklyn Nets |

Evans was traded back to the Sacramento Kings on February 20, 2017, along with Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, and draft picks, in exchange for DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi.

Did You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Tyreke Evans to New Orleans?

Evans served as the primary star connecting the Hornets and Pelicans transitions during a rebuilding phase. His dynamic style of play defined the team's early identity in the modern era.

When and how was he drafted?

He entered the league in 2009 when selected fourth overall by New Orleans out of Memphis. This high draft status signaled immediate expectations for his leadership on the court.

What major individual award did he win there?

Evans secured the NBA Rookie of the Year award during his first season with the franchise in 2010. He remains one of the few players to achieve this honor while wearing a Hornets or Pelicans jersey.

Did he make an All-Star team with the franchise?

Yes, he earned an All-Star selection in 2011 based on his performance that year. This recognition highlighted his status as one of the league's most promising young talents at the time.

How long did he play for New Orleans?

His tenure lasted four seasons from 2009 until 2013 before being traded away. Fans often remember him by jersey number 15 during this specific chapter of franchise history.

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