Utah Jazz: Five free agent options at shooting guard

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 26: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball against the Utah Jazz on December 26, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 26: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball against the Utah Jazz on December 26, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
5 of 6
Tyreke Evans Memphis Grizzlies
Tyreke Evans Memphis Grizzlies

Tyreke Evans

Tyreke Evans is arguably the most versatile offensive talent on this list. His combination of size, strength and handles in the half court is unique. But he shines most in transition, where he continues to be one of the best in the business.

He’s also become a bona fide deep threat over the last three seasons. Since 2015-16, he’s steadily increased his 3-point rate (to a career high of 5.5 per game last season) and knocked down nearly 39 percent of those attempts.

That is big time, my friends.

More from The J-Notes

He may never match the output of his Rookie of the Year campaign with the Sacramento Kings, but he came pretty close in his stint with the Memphis Grizzlies last season. Over 52 games with the Grizz, Evans averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest.

The key number there, though, is 52. As has been the case throughout his career, Evans missed significant time last season due to injury. Over the last three years, he’s appeared in just 117 of 246 possible games. That’s an attendance rate of 48 percent, which could be a red flag for a Jazz squad that has also struggled to stay fully healthy.

Regardless, at 29 years old, Evans still has a lot of game left in him if he can stay on the floor. And while his on-court production probably warrants a big payday, there’s a chance he could be had for the mid-level exception — which would pay him just over $8.5 million per annum — by the right team.

Next: Will Barton