A Royal Pain
Fansided

Slideshow: Ultimate Lineup of Former Sacramento Kings’ Draft Picks

By Michael Dugger

Jan 24, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Thomas (22) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) in the first half of their NBA basketball game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports.
Jan 24, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Thomas (22) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) in the first half of their NBA basketball game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. /
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Mar 22, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans (32) dribbles past Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Bucks defeated the Kings 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans (32) dribbles past Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Bucks defeated the Kings 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guard: Tyreke Evans

Although he’s back on the Kings’ roster, Evans only recently re-joined the team after the Cousins trade. He was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft and had one of the most impressive statistical rookie campaigns in NBA history.

Evans joined elite company by becoming the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game (Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James) in his debut season. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year for his output which made him only the second Kings player to receive this honor and the first in Sacramento (Phil Ford in ’78-’79 with Kansas City Kings).

Despite his best offensive efforts, Sacramento went 25-57 that first season, a reoccurring theme throughout his first stint with the team. His career numbers in California’s capital are 17.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on teams that amassed win totals of 25, 24, 22 (lockout shortened), 28, and 32 for the seasons.

He was traded to New Orleans in a three-team deal that netted the Kings Greivis Vasquez. Evans battled injuries in New Orleans but started in four playoff games in 2015. Vasquez appeared in 18 games for the Kings before being traded to Toronto in the Rudy Gay trade.

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