On the heels of adding point guard Marcus Williams yesterday, the Warriors are now reportedly adding free agent forward Maurice Evans, who played for both the Lakers and Magic last season.
The Warriors have signed Evans to a three-year, $6.4 million deal, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise. With the addition of Evans, Warriors VP Chris Millin will probably decide not to match the Los Angeles Clippers' offer sheet for athletic guard Kelenna Azubuike.
The Warriors had until Friday to match Azubuike's deal, but Evans represents a cheaper and more experienced player.
What do the Warriors get in Evans?
In Evans, the Warriors are getting an athletic swing man who's known as a solid defender and good three-point shooter (39 percent last season). The six-foot five-inch Evans averaged 9.3 points in 68 games for Orlando last season. He came to Orlando with Brian Cook in a November trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that sent Trevor Ariza to Southern California.
The 29-year-old has played five seasons in the NBA, including stops in Detroit and Sacramento.
With this signing, the Warriors are looking at a bench with a mixture of veterans who will certainly aid in the development of younger talents.
The Warriors have never looked quite this deep in quite a long time. However, don't get your hopes up too high yet Warriors' fans.
They may look like one outstanding team on paper, but this will only be a starting point for years to come.
Baron Davis, I would like to thank you on giving the Warriors this kind of opportunity to develop, probably the only sports team, that gives us hope in the Bay Area.
Despite all of this turbulent happenings, the off-season for the Warriors is not over yet.
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2 months ago
I really like the Dub's new strategy: young talent and cheap, relatively-short-term veteran deals to fill the gaps. So now we have yet another swingman, as you point out. Do you think this a sign that Captain Jack could be on the way out in addition to / instead of Harrington?
from 2 months ago
I wouldn't say yes for sure, but I would probably say no. Jack is part of that sizzling run in the 2007 playoffs. He also experienced the bad and the good with the Warriors. Consequently, losing a player/leader of his caliber that constitutes so much of the team, might make the young core falter. Plus, Corey Maggette is not a leader, he is just a really good example for our young roster. Until this moment, Harrington seems to be staying in the Bay. I think he's role is going to change as he is going to get more playing time down in the post...at his usual PF role because now we have two lethal players on the perimeter that shoot a great percentage beyond the Arc in Jack and Maggette. Monta Ellis just needs to develop that three ball in order to be a great point guard in this league. Although Baron Davis was a reliable player at the three, I really think Monta Ellis might be better than him at shooting the threes.
Thanks for the comment.
2 months ago
After watching the Magic play in the playoffs this year, my first thought was that they definitely needed an upgrade at the two guard spot... who knew they would swap Evans for Pietrus...
While I'm not impressed with Evans as a starter, I could see him being an excellent fit as a backup. He plays hard, makes some big shots here and there and plays defense. Perfect bench player to complement what we already have.
I still don't think we'll be a playoff team next year, but the future is looking great.
2 months ago
I don't think Jackson will leave. Every team needs at least one hold-over who has some kind of experience. A team without Stephen Jack would be young, raw, and the leader would be Corey Maggette, who, while a good player, is not close to being able to handle a leadership role on a new team.
2 months ago
maurice evans doesnt play for the golden state it didnt say that on nba.com whoever said that is so wrong
from 2 months ago
It was announced on the San Jose Mercury News, and like I mentioned, the Riverside Press-Enterprise. But you're actually right because just a few hours ago Maurice Evans wanted more money from the Warriors and after they finalized the deal, Evans just wanted more money. But negotations are undergoing. However, I got the news from the trustworthy San Jose Mercury. But I don't know, maybe they just got it wrong.
Thanks for the comment.
2 months ago
maurice evans plays for a team on the eastern conference but its not the magic
2 months ago
wait, so is Mo Evans really on the Warriors? i hope he is.
from 2 months ago
No, unfortunately his isn't because the Warriors decided to match Azibuike's offer sheet from the Clippers. For a 3 hour stint last Wednesday, he was. He then backed out from a verbal agreement because he wanted more money. I think he reportedly signed with the Hawks!!
Thanks for the comment
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