Jacob Evans Scouting Report
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Jacob Evans (Wing, 21, 6'6", 210 lbs)
Statistical Profile
Strengths
Evans has a great frame standing 6'6" and weighing a sturdy 210 lbs. He’s well built and young for his class, turning 21 a few days prior to the Draft despite playing three full years at the college level earning significant minutes. Athletically, he’s above average boasting solid explosion off two feet and moving with advanced fluidity and agility on the perimeter.
Offensively, Evans is an excellent shooter off the catch and has a solid pull up game, shooting 38% on 9 three point attempts per 100 possessions throughout college. He was a high volume spot up threat, scoring 1.012 ppp on 161 possessions last season, accounting for 33% of his scoring opportunities.
He has very deep range and prefers to catch and shoot on the perimeter, but exhibited a more well-rounded hesitation pull up this season which slightly depressed his three point attempt rate. He’s a good decision maker with the ball in his hands, rarely turning the ball over and often making a beneficial pass. He is not a selfish player, increasing his assist percentage on an annual basis while maintaining a 2:1 assist:turnover ratio. He can handle the ball in pick-and-rolls, and is great at hitting the roller. On 32 possessions when he passed to the roll man, Cincinnati scored 1.281 ppp good for the 85th percentile.
Defensively, Evans is very consistent and well rounded. His frame allows him to contain on penetration, and he has high IQ as a team defender. His anticipation, instincts and experience are vital for him and allow him to pick up blocks and steals without relying on athleticism or elite physical tools.
He has the size and strength to switch comfortably 2–4 and may be able to expand that versatility to less quick guards or centers who stretch the floor. He also has a great motor, never stops moving on either end, and has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass and in grabbing 50/50 balls.
Weaknesses
Evans is a bit limited to a 3-and-D role. He can make decisions off closeouts and is a solid straight line driver but he is not a creator or ball handler at this stage. His handle is average for an NBA wing prospect and he doesn’t have a great first step that allows him to create separation or get to the rim consistently. He needs a ball screen to create space. As a shooter, Evans is very good, but needs to work on his ability to come off screens. According to Synergy, Evans only had 26 possessions where he attempted a shot off a screen this season. He scored 1 point per possession on those opportunities, a good rate, but was far more adept and experienced as a spot up shooter.
His athletic limitations are worrisome for his ceiling defensively. He doesn’t have the quickness or foot speed to pressure up on the ball, especially against quicker ball handlers, and he relies on his frame to wall guys up. His team defense and his strength are the assets that establish his defensive profile, but he’s far more likely to be a Danny Green type at the high end than he is an Andre Roberson or Klay Thompson as a perimeter defender.
Summary
Evans is an underrated prospect and the prototypical 3-and-D wing for the modern NBA. He is only 21 on Draft night despite carrying three years of college experience and he has the body, shooting ability and defensive consistency to stick in the NBA. He is not elite at any particular skill, but will be able to knock down an open three and defend at a solid rate in a team defense concept. He is selfless, hard working and versatile on the court making him a coaching staff favorite. He has a high floor due to his overall consistency, decision making, shot-making and IQ. If he’s able to improve as a shooter coming off screens and/or improve his handle to become a tertiary creator, he could unlock extra value as an ideal 3-and-D wing.
