The Sacramento Kings selected combo guard Tyreke Evans with the fourth overall draft pick of the NBA draft. The Memphis product should see plenty of tick in his rookie year, as the Kings will expect him to push Beno Udrih for minutes at the point. He’s a very tough, strong, and physical player and should fit nicely with sharpshooting but skinny guard Kevin Martin. Evans played well in the summer league finishing with 15 points, two assists and four TOs in 29 minutes against the Pistons. “I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do,” said Coach Paul Westphal. Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof said that Evans will be a starter “as soon as he steps on the court.” Evans is a true combo guard, neither suited directly for the point or the two. He can go off though, as proved in his summer league showing when he went for 33 points, 9 boards, 7 dimes. In the game, he shot 8-of-17 from the field and 17-of-19 from the charity stripe. Tough owner Gavin Maloof said Evans will be a starter, coach Paul Westphal said he hasn’t made any decision on starters to this day. Likely just Westphal not wanting Evans to have a sense of entitlement. Evans will start on opening night and will put up some crazy numbers, likely an instant contender for ROY. Kings writer Sam Amick noted Evans has the ability to break the ankles of defenders. He also noted Evans’ quickness on D and appearingly dedicated work ethic.

With the Kings’ second first round pick, they chose Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Omri Casspi with the 23rd pick in the draft. Casspi is known for being tough and a having a mercurial attitude, and having an extreme attitude problem. The Kings could certainly some gruff in the post game. He is the first Israeli player chosen in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Kings newly hired coach Paul Westphal recently finalized his contract. He will receive a salary of $1.5 million in each of his first two seasons, with a $2 million team option in the third year. The deal has incentive laden escalators to take his salary to over $2 million next season, depending on the team’s success. Westphal is expected to consider adding Mario Elie and Terry Porter to his staff, looking to veteran NBA players turned coaches to help with the young team. Westphal will more than have his work cut out for him, as the Kings were the worst team in the league last year. They look to be perenniel cellar dwellers, and should expect to be picking in the top five of next year’s talent heavy draft class. If your team is playing the Kings next year, feel free to pencil in a victory, but be sure to watch the game as Evans is one hell of a talent.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/2009/07/post-summer-lea.html

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/2030161.html

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