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GSoM sent myself, Thomas “Dr. Tom” Bevilacqua, and Brady Klopfer down to Las Vegas for the NBA’s 2019 Summer League in order to investigate whether or not the dynasty’s younglings showed the potential to buoy Dub Nation’s great expectations.
The experience has been an illuminating one for us, as we have watched the likes of Jacob Evans III, Jordan Poole, and Alen Smailagic show flashes of NBA caliber ballin’.
Our man Brady even chatted with Evans III about his improved defensive skills, as he has consistently made the right plays on that end of the floor this summer.
I asked Jacob Evans III about his defense, which is dramatically better than at last year’s summer league. He gave credit to Klay, Dray, and Andre pic.twitter.com/Hx4saMXi9V
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) July 11, 2019
That’s the value of having defensive minded veterans on the roster, and another reason to continue to expect big things from the Dubs despite the roster shakeup. If Evans III turns into a respectable defender, the Warriors will feel more confident about their chances during Klay Thompson’s knee rehab.
If you recall, Evans III was drafted out of Cincinatti as a guy who in theory would help the Dubs lockdown. Per NBADRAFT.net:
What he is best at is his ability on the defensive end … Under Mick Cronin at an elite defensive program at Cincinnati, he averaged 1.3 steals last season and remained one of the top defenders in the American Athletic Conference … One thing that sticks out for Evans is his size and frame for a wing … He stands at 6-6 with a 6-9 wingspan …
And in the playoffs, it never hurts to have an extra wing who can make defensive plays. Keep up the good work, young fella!