Media Day Interview: Maurice Evans
While Vladimir Radmanovic has understandably been labeled this offseason's "high profile" acquisition, I actually think the comparatively "low-pro" swap for shooting guard Maurice Evans may end up making just as big an impact. An absolute steal for a second-round pick, this was a pickup I've been very high on. The guy sports two assets that the Lakers very much crave. Athleticism and the ability to defend. As I watched Miami shred Detroit during last season's playoffs, I actually said out loud a few times (to no one in particular, since I live by myself), "Dude, put Mo Evans on Wade and at least make him work for those baskets!" For whatever reason, "Dude" — also known in some circles as "Flip Saunders" — didn't listen, keeping his bench short and his postseason run shorter. Evans is getting a fresh start in L.A and I'm predicting he'll be better utilized. He's not "the missing piece," but he could definitely help. Here's what Evans had to say in our brief conversation.
Andrew Kamenetzky: For starters, what was your reaction when you heard about being traded?
Maurice Evans: I was very excited, especially to be here in L.A. An up and down team. They get up and down the court. They transition. Great coach. Great, great, player, one of the top players in the league in Kobe. I'm very excited for a lot of reasons. I think I can help this team. I think it's great opportunity. A great time in my career to come to a team like this. I really think it'll be a great fit.
AK: How do you specifically think you can help?
ME: I think that I'm versatile and my versatility is definitely what I can bring to the table. I can shoot. I can score. I can defend. I can run up the court and finish in transition. I think I can do a lot of things well and I think in the triangle offense, you can take advantage of all those type of things. I'm excited. In Detroit, we had a lot components. We had chemistry. We had all those things, but at the same time, we didn't have an offense that would allow everybody to be effective at the same time. But the triangle does allow people to be effective at the same time.
AK: Speaking of Detroit, towards the end of the season and especially during the playoffs, you started seeing a decrease in your minutes. Did you ever get a reason as to why?
ME: No. They didn't discriminate. Everybody's minutes went down, so I guess that gives you some sort of consolation. But it was unfortunate, because I believe if we did use our bench, I think we could have won the championship without a problem. For whatever reason, we used our starters a little bit more than maybe we wanted to. Maybe that was a lack of trust in our bench. Maybe that was just the pressure to succeed after such a great regular season. Once the wins started compiling and the media came in and everyone started to make a big deal about 43-3, all those types of things, I think those had a large thing to do with it. It's just hard in that situation. Flip, that was new to him as well, to his credit. And that was new to the Pistons. They had never had that kind of success that early. Normally, they were the team that comes from behind and were still the underdog. Now we're the favorite and we didn't handle it as well as we could.
AK: Does a situation like that make you froth at the mouth even more to get out on the court?
ME: Yeah, definitely, but I've feeling like this throughout my whole career. This is my 6th year as a pro and I have yet to have the type of success in the NBA that I feel I'm capable of having. I had in success in Europe. I went to Europe for a reason and I had great success there, because I was able to play. And I feel like the times that I've gotten to come into games and play in the NBA, I've been successful. I've contributed and been a rotation player. And I'm not disappointed with that. But I really want to go to the next level and be that type of dominant player that can really help a team. And I think that opportunity's here.
AK: You're often described as an "energy" player. A guy that brings that immediate impact. Do you feel you can bring that playing at a couple positions or matching up defensively against a variety of positions? Small forwards? Shooting guards? Point guards?
ME: Yeah, I definitely feel like I can. The great thing that I like when they describe me as an "energy" player is it's not in the negative sense. A lot of times you hear people say "energy" for a guy who just can't play and runs on a lot of energy. But I think when I do come in, a lot of times I don't know how long I'm going to be in there, I come in and immediately try to make something happen. When you're coming off the bench, you have to try and come in and provide a spark or try to do something to help the team.
I think I can do that in a number of ways, because I can guard a lot of positions. I can guard taller guys, shorter guys. I've had everyone from LeBron to big tall 3 guy to guarding Antoine Walker sometimes playing the four to guarding Marbury and Baron Davis and guys like that. So as far defensively, I feel very comfortable guarding a number of guys. And offensively, I feel very comfortable playing a lot of positions as well.
AK: Have you been studying tape of the Lakers as well?
ME: Definitely, I have been. The funny thing was in college, Tex Winter came down and gave a preliminary introduction to the triangle, so I think that helped me be familiar with it a little bit. And plus, you're defending guys in the triangle for a long time, so obviously you gotta understand kinda how it works. I'm just looking forward to opening camp, to learning from Phil, from Kobe. I'm just getting excited.
Just want to say thanks for the interviews K Bro's!
I was tired of the bickering on the blog!
The season is upon us and I am consumed with excitement, I think we have something special. We will shock the NBA this season, thats my prediction and I am sticking to it.
Lets Go Lakers!
Posted by: LakerFan4life | October 03, 2006 at 11:11 AM
Props on the master transcribing, AK/BK!
Posted by: Mannie Jenkins | October 03, 2006 at 11:14 AM
I really enjoyed Evans' attitude. He seems like he's got great confidence and a lot of energy. He is going to be a real asset to the Lakers this season. Can't wait till opening night!
Posted by: Kobe One Kenobi | October 03, 2006 at 11:25 AM
How tall is this guy? 6'5"? Methinks he might challenge for the other starting guard spot if he can really do an ok job of staying in front of other PG's. He's more in the B.Shaw/R.Harper mold that Phil loves as opposed to Farmar or Shammond, Smush is closer but if Evans is a better defender we might see him getting more minutes alongside Kobe as opposed to just spelling Kobe's rest minutes.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 03, 2006 at 11:29 AM
another AK HOMER (home run). Great job Kamenetzky.
Posted by: rayray | October 03, 2006 at 11:40 AM
Thanks for the interviews AK! This definitely helps us out a lot, especially without any bball action.
The second I found out we got Mo Evans from Detroit, I was so happy. I watched him as a piston and saw he had great potential and he was highly skilled. I actually see him finally becoming established, as a pro player, with LA. I would not be surprised if he becomes a starter towards the middle and/or end of the season. But in reality we would probably best utitlze him as our 6th man or just keep him as Kobe's sub. We'll see more as the season unfolds.
Posted by: Blaze1bx | October 03, 2006 at 11:41 AM
This was a great pickup for the money. I'm getting a Ron Harper vibe. Great to hear the word "defense" in a skilll set list.
Posted by: Vman | October 03, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Is Laron Profit in camp? I haven't heard much about him this off-season.
Posted by: Dena's Finest | October 03, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Profit has signed a contract w/ Memphis . . . damn Jerry West
Posted by: Ford | October 03, 2006 at 12:29 PM
AK, I'm a little bit confused because of the late retrieval of posts, Are you guys interviewing here in LA or from your hotel place in New York (due to Dodger NL Series)?
Gosh, from all accounts of interviews from AM570 or Laker Blogs, our players are saying the right things that makes fans over optimistic and giddy. Are they well rehearsed on the Media Day or just their answers is really coming from the heart? Indeed, Evans is a great acquisition but we're just excited to see how he will perform as a Laker?
As Lakerfan4life said: he was excited and tired too of the frequent bickerings among Laker fans. Well, at least LF4L give credit to those who bickered, maintained and extended the life of the blog's excitement during the lean months after Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs - the quality of the posts and the number of people posting are much higher than the live games of the Dodger blog. Debates and arguments are part and parcel among brothers and sisters in the blog but at a time like this, they come around united for one objective that the Laker will go for the Championship this year. No matter how media will rank this team, it's immaterial to TRUE Laker fans. We criticized, bickered, debated, analyzed every facet of each player, the coach, the GM including the owner to keep everyone informed and for the total improvement of the team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 03, 2006 at 12:35 PM
Edwin Gueco,
What are you asking me, exactly? I'm not sure what you're confused by.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 03, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Has anyone asked Ronny if he's come up with the perfect cheer?
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 03, 2006 at 12:44 PM
Well this is it! We are ALMOST THERE!!
After hearing from all of the guys, (Thank you AK, BK & lakofan) This is definetly a focused squad. Mo Evans is gonna be a great addition for us.
After the last two years, I'm looking forward to a truley competitive team this year, to say the least.
P.S. I like the attitude between Chris and Kwame, true professionalism!! to say the least..lol
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | October 03, 2006 at 12:57 PM
AK,
I'm assuming that you and BK are in NY for the Dodger games. So I asked if the interview was done from coast to coast at your hotel or live interview here in LA? I hope that reply was clear as mud (J/k only).
Luke Ridnour and Rashard Lewis are not extending the contracts with Sonics, those are possible trade baits during the season or by summer time. On another news account, Cookie's agent is giving the Lakers 30 days according the Press Enterprise to extend Brian Cook contract or he becomes a restricted agent at the end of the season.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/sonics/story/6137830p-5373820c.html
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 03, 2006 at 01:05 PM
I'm as optimistic as all of you and 55 wins is a going to happen, I have no doubt. However, I am worried about our injuries. Kobe, Mihm, Cook, and Phil are all recovering from various ailments. Lamar is still couping with his loss. I'm not sure how it'll pan out. But, I'm hoping for the best!
Posted by: two0one7 | October 03, 2006 at 01:16 PM
JJ-
here are the question MARKS:
west:
CLIPP#4? DENVER#6? NOK#7? QUEENS#13??? MINESOTA#11?
east:
Detroit#2? Boston#8? NewYork#9????... Toronto#13?
from these standings:
the writer of the FCP- is a homer(clipps#4) hates the KINGS(#13, in the west) and doesn't know we're talkin the 06-07 NBA(Wolves #11), thinks Isiah Thomas is a MAJICIAN (NY#9), Boston will play like the last year BABY BULLS(#8????) thinks phoenix success in the NBA and Spain success in the worlds was a FLOUKE, Chris Bush and #1 draft pick will STALLLLL (raptors #13) and thinks BenWallace AND Larry Brown had nothing to do with Pistons' success(Detroit#2).
With your "assessment", UTAH, SACTO, MINNY and MEMPHIS will miss the playoffs, NY and BOSTON will be better than ORLANDO and MILWAKEE, and they'll both beat PHILLY in the Atlantic. Detroit will beat out CAVS, BULLS and INDY for the EAST seacond place.
AND I know you haven't looked at last years standings and you wouldn't, its just that you've done it without noticing. Its a new year and things have changed.
you've MISSED buddy and I'm sorry you have. But you have.
I have more misses for you but I just leave it at that. If you want em, juss ask.
Posted by: rayray | October 03, 2006 at 01:19 PM
The NBA will play new balls this season. Shaq's hates the change. Anyway, are the Lakers practicing the new type of balls?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2006-10-02-shaq-ball_x.htm
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 03, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Edwin Gueco,
No, BK and I are in L.A. We don't travel with either team. We were at media day yesterday in El Segundo.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 03, 2006 at 01:35 PM
rayray,
This is why I normally don't bother to respond to idiots like yourself. You obviously have no clue what is meant when a person says "pre-season" rankings. If I was giving my picks for who will make the playoffs and where they would fall, I would do so and say so. Obviously, in the course of an 82 games season things change. It is rare that the oder teams are ranked in October is the same order that they are ranked in April.
To say that Memphis should be ranked high because of Spain makes no sense right now since the only player on their team who played for Spain is hurt for the first part of the season. Once he comes back and is healthy, their ranking will most likely rise greatly. How can they be ranked high now when their main star is missing? As for Sacramento, I am holding out on them until I see what the loss of Bonzi does to them and how Artest enters the season. IF they start out solid, their ranking will also rise. Utah could be ranked higher but that would require lowering someone else that deserves to be ranked higher right now. Minnesota could end up being better, but that requires the young guys to mesh with KG and Mike James to fit in with him as well. Who knows if that will happen, and how can they be rated high when we have nothing to go on right now?
Houston was a good team last year when healthy. They made no changes to hurt that....only to help that. So they deserve a strong initial ranking. The Lakers are the same way. The Clippers are the same way. Phoenix could be the best in the West, but until we see how the changes of Amare being back and Tim Thomas being gone affects them, I believe that their ranking is just right.
SINCE YOU DON'T LIKE MY RANKINGS SO MUCH, WHY DON'T YOU SUPPLY SOME OF YOUR OWN?????
As for the East, Detroit won more games than anyone else last season without Larry Brown so I fail to see how he fits into the equation. Ben will be missed GREATLY, but we have no idea what Nazr will provide. Right now no other team deserves 2 over them. Chicago made too many changes to know how they will repsond at the beginning of the season. Cleveland didn't make many changes at all so they may be better but it isn't clear. New York & Boston, on paper, have become better teams. With Isaiah coaching, Detroit may rise this year. As for Boston, they lacked some solid play at point guard last year which they have changed. Plus they now have some veteran experience at center with Theo. They have a good shot to start out solid.
Once again....IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY ASSESSMENTS AND RANKINGS, PROVIDE SOME OF YOUR OWN!
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 02:07 PM
RAYRAY,
Another thing...did you not see that I typed in parenthesis that "this is subject to change before opening night"?
Read completely before repsonding. Otherwise, you make yourself look stupid!
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 02:13 PM
One more thing....You mention Utah, Sacramento, Minnesota and Memphis and state that based on my assessment, they won't make the playoffs. Do you think right now that all four of them will make the playoffs? If you do, who do you think will miss it then? You do realize that only 8 teams in the West can make the post season?
If the 4 you have mentioned make it....and Phoenix and let's say Dallas make it....who out of San Antonio, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Denver and NOK Hornets, won't make it? ONLY 2 can based on your assessment, right?
Plus, if you don't think that Detroit deserves to be ahead of Cleveland, Chicago and Indiana, where would you put them starting out this season? Based on your assessment, they would at least fall to 5th. Do you think that they are the 5th best starting out?
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 02:22 PM
I'm betting on Mo Evans becoming a starter before the end of the year. Guy has just never had an opportunity. With his ability to defend (should be better one-on-one than Smush) and shoot the three, once he gets used to the triangle, he'll be a lock for a backcourt spot.
Posted by: hariyahu | October 03, 2006 at 03:04 PM
AK/BK,
I'm very surprised you're not in the thick of it somewhere in NY about now. Perhaps the Latimes doesn't know on which side the bread is buttered.
Maybe you, or we, should give them a hint. Time to call in some markers.
I've always liked the Mets, except when they are playing the Dodgers. Go Blue!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | October 03, 2006 at 03:06 PM
Anyone playing in the NBA Salary Cap challenge? I couldn't get to register yet
Posted by: hariyahu | October 03, 2006 at 03:17 PM
Season's not started yet, but I want to start trading NOW!
Can we please get Josh Smith from the Hawks? The boy can ball!!
Check out his averages for the month of April - granted it was only 11 games, but these numbers are WACK!
17.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 3.36 BPG, 1.45 SPG.
Yes, his FG% is the greatest, but I think that will improve with time. But he is already All-NBA defense in my opinion. And have I mentioned that he's scheduled to make: 1.46M this year.
Except for Kobe, LO and prolly Bynum, I would trade ANYONE on our roster to get this boy.
Posted by: hariyahu | October 03, 2006 at 03:27 PM
Thank you Mr.K, good interview.
Posted by: lakofan | October 03, 2006 at 03:34 PM
JJ-
"Houston was a good team last year when healthy. They made no changes to hurt that....only to help that. So they deserve a strong initial ranking. The Lakers are the same way. The Clippers are the same way."
I say thats last years rankings and you say NO. C'MON, man.
Posted by: rayray | October 03, 2006 at 06:02 PM
hairyahu,
Although Mo is soild, barring injury, I don't see him starting. He's a spark off of the bench if I've ever sseen one. With Devan George gone, Mo's role is pine riding for sure.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | October 03, 2006 at 06:23 PM
rayray's TOP 10 list
-just for you JJ-
SPURS-They're healthy, Hungry and BACK
SUNS-AMARE's back, Diaw is better and Stevie has a BACK UP finally
MAVS-They're GODD. real good. But, a healthy SanAntone and the SUNS with the OLD Amare are better. Not much better, but better
WOLVES-Please don't let Melo's PERFORMANCE in the worlds fool you. That was SYRACUS all over again for Melo. Three line was CLOSER, there was no ONE-ON-ONE D, and his coach was there....
KG, MikeJames, Randy Foye, RickyDavis, Hassell, Jaric, McCants, Blunt doesn't LOOK bad. They'll win their DIV.
LAKERS-I'm INDEED a homer and VALD's in the HOUSE.
ROCKETS-Yo, YAO is becoming a man. He showed it in the WORLDS. Plus, the ROCKETS are not OLD anymore. T-MAC? if he's healthy GIMI a CONTENDER.
KINGS-MIKE and MIKE and ART and some real GOOD young players. Gonna RUN a player friendly OFFENSE and Capitan Ron will ANCHOR the D.
CLIPPS-They're SOOO not JELLIN. Dunlevey starting to FORGET the game SEVEN situation and starting to act like the OLD Dunlevy giving Sam I am's minutes to the NEW GUY. But they have Mr.Grant and if Sam's healthy they'll be IN.
GRIZZ-Isss all about the D. they'll miss PAU at the START of the season. BADLY they will. but HAKIM and SWIFT will help ease the pain alittle or maybe alot. PLUS, I refuse to bet against a rookie WEST have traded for in the DRAFT DAY. now if they PLAY a game at the END of the season CLLIPERS are playing their asses off.
NOK-Them or NUGGETS and I remeber George Karl has lost his team since the middle of the last season. So them(NOK). This is Karl's last season though. As for NOK they'll be OK. Unless ROOKIE Hilton Armstrong gets NOK a back to back ROY award and they'll be GOOD, TY Chandler is securing the GATES and Chandler is a back up and NOK's won't make it again (WEST is not a deffender)
.....TBC
Posted by: rayray | October 03, 2006 at 06:27 PM
Evans sounds awesome!
i hope he's a great defender.
ps=Gotta love JJ Vs. RayRay
Posted by: ajax | October 03, 2006 at 06:40 PM
like someone else said, I'm getting a good vibe from Evans, course not earlier when he was complaining of playing time in Detroit, but da Blog and the K bros set me st8 lol.
I also think we musn't overlook what these "acquisitions" will do to our team. Most of all, I think Evans (if healthy, let's not forget everything hinges on all our players health) can help us more than anyone because of the defense. That said...it's going to be dependent on how we as a team play.
Bring on the season! ;-)
P.S. Thanks K Bros for the above and beyond? lol
Posted by: Faith | October 03, 2006 at 07:08 PM
RayRay,
Don't mean to dissect your ranking, but don't you think the Rockets have a better line-up than the Wolves. This year, they have a healthy T-Mac, Yao Ming, Bonzi and Battier plus that greek shooter, Spanoulis. Lakers can overrun the Wolves easily with Mike James and a rookie Randy Foyle as new players.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 03, 2006 at 07:24 PM
So I looked at the media day pictures, and Smush looked stacked. Then I heard an interview with Phil and he seemed very high on the guy. I always liked Smush, even if he frustrated me at times, and I kind of think there will be a big year in store for him.
K Bros,
Did either of you get to speak to Smush and get a feel for where he's at? Just curious.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 03, 2006 at 08:30 PM
RayRay,
You are way overvalueing the Wolves. everything has to click perfect for them to get in the 8th spot. KG although he is great can't take over the game like most other MVP's, he needs a sidekick. They have no center, and Jaric is a joke. You can't expect too much from Foye his rookie season and mike james is overrated. expect another 35 win season followed by them finally giving in and trading KG before they become philly with a great player past their prime that nobody wants.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 03, 2006 at 08:31 PM
dan the man >_< aka smushcalade ,
If Evans is coming off the bench, it would presumably for Kobe. But I don't think Kobe is going to play less than 37 minutes a game - so there isn't too much time for sparking anything. I would think he would start off as a sub in the backcourt. But once he gets used to the offense, watchout - he's a better player than Smush, or Shammond W and will make it tough for them to earn minutes on court.
And please don't compare Mo Evans to Devean - that guy was more like a fart off the bench.
Posted by: hariyahu | October 03, 2006 at 10:12 PM
hairyaha,
Good point, Kobe will probably average 37 or so minutes per game. But remember, he will be spending some time playing the 3 this season.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | October 04, 2006 at 01:29 AM
hairyahu,
cont...
Devean's job was to provide a spark off of the bench. He obviously didn't and so we got rid of him. I'm not camparing the players head to head, but Mo now carries that responsibity George once had.
We picked Mo up with the intentions of a "spark plug" type player off of the bench. He is a talented player who can and will challenge our guys, but to expect a START? We'll see.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | October 04, 2006 at 01:52 AM
Ray Ray,
Based on your review of the rankings....aren't you still leaving out the Utah Jazz in your ranking? I thought you complained about me doing that.
Posted by: JJ | October 04, 2006 at 06:56 AM
Hariyahu
But Evans is going to end up having the same role off the bench that George did but do it better because he can play better D and stroke but just hasn't had the chance to prove it. And because Phil like size at the point he will get time at the 1 2 and possibly some 3 to come in and just play tough D on the best backcourt player and hit the open shot.
Zach Z
Posted by: Zach Z | October 04, 2006 at 07:46 AM
K Brothers, again, nice interview.
I guess we haven't been paying enough attention to Maurice Evans in the Lakers gumbo. Yum!
Seriously, a point guard who can play defense? Ummm... maybe, just maybe this might have made a difference in the Phoenix series? Maybe?
(Definitely.)
Finally someone who can calm down that wall-eyed Canuck and little Frenchie.
I'm ready guys! Suit me up!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | October 04, 2006 at 08:37 AM
ZachZ,dantheman,
I don't think Mo will spend time at the 3 - he's not 6'8" like Devean once. He fits the PhilJ mode of big backcourt player. I do see the need for a sparkplug off the bench, but my point is this - he'll prove to be a better player than who we have at PG right now. If he does a better job staying in front of the likes of Nash, Parker, Billups etc, I'd rather spark him from the start :) Anyway, we'll see how things go as the season progresses. As of now, the starting job is Smush's to lose.
Posted by: hariyahu | October 04, 2006 at 09:23 AM
hairyahu,
I wasn't suggesting that Mo will play the 3. What I meant was that at times this season Kobe will be playing the 3, leaving addidional backup minutes at the 2 will be available. He does do a better job of staying in front of his man than our other guards, u r absolutley right. But as of right now he still has a lot of "Tri-Angle Homework" to do before he is even considered a starter. He is hungry enough and has the skills to be a good starter for us sometime down the road. If that happens, watch out because he could be a real headache for opposing teams.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | October 04, 2006 at 09:54 AM
Dan the Man,
I agree - Mo is not going to be the starter on Halloween, but once he learns the triangle the other guys will need to watch out! Good times :)
Posted by: hariyahu | October 04, 2006 at 02:59 PM
I'm so happy for Maurice and hope he gets to shine. Excellent attitude, team player, defense, offense and if given the opp. he will surprise alot of people. He will be a great addition if utilized properly.
*Playing behind Kobe means he'll actually get the ball ... Lamar just take it from him :o)*
Good Luck Mo!
Posted by: SunsGurl31 | October 04, 2006 at 07:57 PM
I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH EVANS AS A PLAYER, BUT IF ALL THAT I HEAR ABOUT HIM IS TRUE , AS A LAKER FAN THAT GIVES ME ANOTHER REASON TO BE EXCITED ABOUT THE SEASON COMING. GOOO LAKERS. GOOO MO
Posted by: RONALD SUMLING | October 11, 2006 at 02:18 PM