Warriors counting on top draft choice Jacob Evans for versatile game

OAKLAND - Bob Myers didn’t like the question.

Myers, the Warriors general manager, was sitting on a stage next to Jacob Evans, the team’s first-round draft pick this year, the 28th pick, at his introductory press conference Monday morning. Tim Roye, the team’s radio play-by-play announcer, asked Myers the first question about Evans.

“He was a finalist for the Dr. J. Award, a finalist for the Jerry West award, which means he was a finalist at two different positions,” Roye said. “How important was that versatility?”

Myers shrugged. “We value defensive versatility, offensive versatility,” he said. “That’s the modern NBA right now, which is great. But, it all boils down to being a basketball player. Part of being a good basketball player is No. 1, most importantly, helping your team win, which doesn’t get talked about enough.

“And then No. 2, guarding your man and being an effective offensive player as well. For us, a couple things stood out in regards to Jacob. He’s somebody who got a lot better, looked like he had a great work ethic, serious-minded player, cares about both sides of the ball.

“Winning is the thing that gets lost more than anything. All we’re trying to do put up as many of those yellow banners as possible. Nothing else matters. If we can draft a guy who helps us do that, we succeeded, and I think we have one in Jacob.”

Evans gazed up at the four championship banners hanging in the Warriors practice facility and nodded.

The Warriors believe Evans fits their team and culture. And they believe he’ll help them as rookie, even though 27 players got drafted before him, and late-first-round picks rarely contribute right away to Championship teams.

But, the Warriors don’t view Evans as a late first rounder. “We had him ranked higher than the 28th pick,” Myers said. “We thought he could plug in with what we do. We worked him out twice. We had a pretty good sense of him. We scouted him during the year. He fits the overall skill level we like to employ.”

Rather than explain how Evans fits, Myers let the rookie explain for himself. “They just play basketball, read and react,” Evans said. “If you’re open, shoot it. If you’re not, you can pass it, drive it, try to create another shot.

“That’s what I feel helps me on the offensive end, being able to do different things. Not just being a catch-and-shoot guy, but trying to break down the defense, get another shot. Or, setting a screen, getting someone else open. Every little thing in this offense.”

Evans is a 6-foot-6 wingman who can play shooting guard, small forward – even some point guard during an emergency. Next season, he could become the Warriors primary backup shooting guard if he shows he’s ready and confident enough to play alongside Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, four of the world’s best players.

“The first time he turns down a shot, they’re going to tell him, ‘Shoot the ball.’” Myers said. “It takes time, but I’m sure in Jacob’s life he has had to find confidence, whether it’s proving he can play in college, proving he can play in high school. It’s the same in the NBA. There’s a pathway to it. But here, he’ll get to learn from some of the best, and that’s worth a lot.”

Evans’ education will begin later this summer at training camp. In the meantime, he will play with Jordan Bell and Damian Jones on the Warriors Summer League team, which will play its first game on July 2 in Sacramento.

“Summer League is very competitive,” Evans said. “I just want to show everyone what I can do.”