The Sacramento Kings lost on both Friday and Saturday nights, running up their losing streak to six games, but there might be some good news on the horizon. Last year’s rookie of the year, Tyreke Evans, who hasn’t played a game since he put up 21 points and seven assists in a Kings win against the Phoenix Suns on February 13th, is getting closer to a return from his plantar fasciitis injury that has slowed him all season. If Evans’ twitter account, is any indication, his return will be sooner rather than later.
@thetyrekeevans Tyreke EvansCant wait to get back on the court I’m getting healthy foot is feeling better!! Motivated and Dedicated to the game
Earlier in the week, I had an opportunity to ask Kings coach Paul Westphal about Evans and his possible return.
JH: Do you think that there is a possibility that we have seen the last of Tyreke Evans for this season?
Coach Westphal: I would be stunned if we’ve seen the last of Tyreke Evans. He had his last treatment yesterday (3/8/11) and we haven’t had the meeting so I can’t tell you what the doctors said but my understanding of this procedure has always been that he would be back and I haven’t heard anything to say otherwise. I think he is on the right time table.
JH: Do you fear at all having three high volume shooters in Cousins, Thornton and Evans? Do you think there will be an issue there?
Coach Westphal: Not really. Only one guy can shoot at a time (laughing). Somebody’s volume has got to go down, hopefully it’s because you are getting better shots. The more threats you have on your team, the better.
JH: Do you think it might be an issue, not with the top three guys, but with the four through nine guys?
Coach Westphal: I’m looking forward to dealing with that problem.
Coach Westphal has mentioned in the past how hard it is to handle teams with multiple scoring options like a Memphis team that has four or five guys who can go for thirty points on any given night. When Evans is healthy, whether it be in a week or two, Westphal is going to have the best scoring trio that he has had as coach of the Kings. Cousins is commanding double teams from almost every opponent the Kings have faced lately, while Thornton has been showing an amazing ability to score from any spot on the floor. Adding Evans to this mix may mean less shots for others, but clearly this is an issue that Westphal wouldn’t mind having.
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