Reggie Evans’ Rebounding, Toughness Important to Brooklyn Nets

Reggie Evans signed with the Brooklyn Nets this past offseason without any bells and whistles. It was simply a quiet signing that received little-to-no press. It turns out that the Nets were right in thinking that Evans would be a solid acquisition for them.

Evans is a player that has a very specific skill-set. He’s not a great passer, not a great shooter and not an elite athlete. However, Evans is a player that will come off of the bench and do all of the dirty work. He’s going to hustle and give all of his energy on every play that’s in the game. That’s one of the reasons that he’s one of the most talented rebounders in the NBA.

The way he’s played this season has perfectly mirrored his specific talents. In 23.1 minutes per game, Evans is averaging just 3.7 points, 0.2 blocks, 0.5 assists per game and is shooting just 45 percent from the field. Evans is also averaging an unbelievable 9.7 rebounds per game. Translated to if he were getting a starter’s share of minutes, Evans is averaging an absurd 16.4 rebounds per 36 minutes. What’s more important than his impressive numbers is how important his rebounding and willingness through the gritty work are to Brooklyn.

Though the Nets are an obviously talented team with Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez on their roster, they are also a scoring-minded team. All three of their marquee players are mostly known for their scoring ability and their ability on offense. Williams, Johnson and Lopez have also all been maligned for their defense on occasion. That’s where Evans becomes so important. He comes into the game and is ready to do all of the things that those guys aren’t solid at or don’t want to do.

Would it be nice if Evans also had the ability to score when asked to and wasn’t somewhat of a liability on offense? Of course it would be, but that’s not the type of basketball player he is and the Nets know that. Even with his limited offensive abilities, the Nets have benefitted from having Evans on their roster this season because he’s so talented at doing the few things that he does.

Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.