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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Jawun Evans?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 9, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) shoots as Iowa State Cyclones guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15) looks on in the first half during the Big 12 Championship Tournament at Sprint Center. Iowa State won 92-83. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) shoots as Iowa State Cyclones guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15) looks on in the first half during the Big 12 Championship Tournament at Sprint Center. Iowa State won 92-83. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) plays defense against the Iowa State Cyclones at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Cowboys 86 to 83. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) plays defense against the Iowa State Cyclones at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Cowboys 86 to 83. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Word

Jawun Evans is a very intriguing and potentially productive player for the late first round. He clearly has the scoring ability to make it in the NBA. He can score in any number of ways and has good control over the game as a point guard. Oklahoma State put the ball in his hands with free reign and he produced for himself while keeping others involved.

Most importantly, he has that one skill point guards in the league need — the ability to get into the paint. Evans can break down defenders off the dribble and get past the initial wave to get to the basket. That will serve him well and get him a look at the NBA level.

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The questions that come next will help him determine what kind of player he can become — whether that is more than just a bench player or potentially something more.

For now, Evans clearly can carve out a role as a developing backup point guard. He has shown enough ability to create his own shot and get into the paint to be a useful player.

Evans, though, will still have a lot of work to do. And the odds will be against him in some ways.

His size will hinder him, especially if he continues to struggle to finish in the paint and at the basket. It may also be a hindrance to him defensively.

But this is where his ability to draw and absorb contact will prove valuable too. If he can get to the foul line like he did in college, he will find usefulness. Evans can score and put the ball in the basket. He still has work to do to bring himself up to a NBA level.

But the talent is undoubtedly there.

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If a team is looking for a backup point guard late in the first round, Evans is a solid option to pursue.