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5 Players to watch at the NBA Draft Combine

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 11, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) moves the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. South Carolina won 70 to 60. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) moves the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. South Carolina won 70 to 60. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State

Every time we have discussed the Magic’s second first-round pick (acquired from the Toronto Raptors in the Serge Ibaka trade), the conversation always seems to turn toward the sophomore point guard from Oklahoma State.

Watching Evans on tape is certainly pretty impressive. He has an explosive first step and can get to the basket pretty easily. His scoring acumen, especially this year, was impressive.

Evans finished this year averaging 19.2 points per game and 6.4 assists per game. He was a great playmaker and scorer for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, even shooting a solid 37.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Scouts will be watching his measurements closely and may be watching his agility drills too.

Evans is listed at 6-feet, 175 pounds. That is small for a point guard. And his ability to finish at the rim and absorb contact is a real concern. That is why Evans has slipped so far down the draft despite the gaudy numbers. It may have him pegged as a career backup despite his strong scoring numbers.

This is not the case of a smallish point guard who gets to the rim at will and everyone wonders if he can make it in the harder NBA. Evans can get to the basket but struggled to finish there. He shot only 43.8 percent from the floor.

Figuring out if Evans has the ability to improve that mark and finish at the rim through contact is going to be the real test. If he measures taller than expected and can gain some defensive points through the agility drills — Sports-Reference pegs him at a 1.4 defensive box plus-minus, so he projects as a solid defender — Evans could be one of the real risers in the Draft.

The Magic are probably looking for a point guard in this Draft. Many anticipate the team will look to replace Elfrid Payton. The team could also look to move on from D.J. Augustin or begin relegating him to a third point guard. Evans is a fine option to have off the bench behind or with Elfrid Payton.