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Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?

Dec 5th, 2009
Funny thing is, they are polar opposites. Evans, drafted fourth overall by the Sacramento Kings, stands an imposing 6-5, 210 pounds. With his muscular frame and power moves, Evans wouldn't seem out of place flying down a National Football League field. Jennings, drafted tenth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, stands an unimposing 6-1, 170 pounds ... Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?In head-to-head, we compare. And you tell us who is best …

Hit pause on Chris Paul versus Deron Williams. Now hit play on the NBA’s newest point guard debate: Tyreke Evans versus Brandon Jennings.

Over the first month of the NBA season, several rookie point guards have impressed, but Evans and Jennings have stood out. Funny thing is, they are polar opposites.

Evans, drafted fourth overall by the Sacramento Kings, stands an imposing 6-5, 210 pounds. With his muscular frame and power moves, Evans wouldn’t seem out of place flying down a National Football League field.

Jennings, drafted tenth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, stands an unimposing 6-1, 170 pounds. And with his slight frame and baby face, Jennings wouldn’t seem out of place at, well, the senior prom or a 100-level English.

You get the picture. They are, indeed, different. In this edition of head-to-head, HoopsVibe The Blog will explore those differences and ask you to weigh in with thoughts on Evans versus Jennings.

The Case For Evans
...

At times, Evans will appear raw. Remember, he switched from shooting guard to point guard half way through his only season at the University of Memphis. Surprisingly, it was a smooth transition, with Evans - as a freshman or 'Diaper Dandy' for those that speak Dick Vitale - leading the Tigers to the ‘Elite Eight’ of the NCAA Tournament.

Simply put, size, athleticism, and talent make-up for his inexperience. Evans is a true triple threat, who can score, rebound, and set up others. With his body, he can defend multiple positions and post most point guards.

Evans’ skill-set is unique and reminds me of Oscar Robertson or Scottie Pippen when he slid to lead guard for those amazing Chicago Bulls teams.

Like any situation, there are complications, though. First, Evans has much to learn about the nuances of running an NBA team. At his age, this is understandable. Second, Evans’ play could fall-off when injured Sacramento star Kevin Martin returns to health.

The Case for Jennings ...

‘Young Money‘. ‘Southpaw Swag’. ‘Generation Next’.

 Whatever the nickname, few veterans - let alone a rookie - have generated a buzz in Milwaukee like Jennings.  With his jitterbug game, he’s drawing comparisons to Kenny Anderson, Nate Archibald, and Nick Van Excel  - and setting the early pace for Rookie of the Year.

Jennings is off-the-charts quick. This is a skill suited for the NBA game, which emphasizes one-on-one play and pick-and-rolls, but could get lost in the systems heavy approach of European club basketball.

This explains why Jennings - who skipped college and played a season with a European pro team - didn’t impress while overseas and fell into the Bucks’ lap with the tenth overall pick in the 2009 Draft.

Early on, Jennings used his speed to drive and dish or create space for his own shot. The results were exceptional, highlighted by that memorable 55 point performance. Lately, his shooting and decision-making have tailed off, sparking questions about Jennings’ ability to perform on a night-in, night-out basis.

Our Call: A draw. Both are terrific. Right now, Jennings - because of his torrid first few weeks - has a bit more buzz. Long-term, I like Evans’ size and wouldn’t be surprised if he surpasses Jennings later in the season to win Rookie of the Year.

Evans or Jennings? What’s your call in this edition of head-to-head? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of wmmarc.
Comments (10)
40inchleaper December 06, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
tyreke is more consistent than jennings. jenning is showing more star status than tyreke. but after jennings' fifty plus points, he was guarded heavily, since then he has only produced an ave. of 15ppg. evans also had this but with less spotlight but look at his numbers. both are ROY candidates and future stars 'though.
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a guest December 06, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
I'll take curry ova both!!! Thank you!0
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Lil.Yz December 06, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
BJ is the best ROOKIE right now, Trust me on this he WILL GET ROOKIE OF THE YEAR PUT IT LIKE that!!!....
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leilani17 December 06, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
omg, please! Tyreke is ROY, no questions asked.
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O.Sandor December 07, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Hi no-name. Yes, Curry is special, too, but I'm not sure we will get to see his talents with the dysfunctional Warriors. Thanks for commenting.

H-Vibe readers: got thoughts then on who you prefer: Evans, Jennings, and, why not, Curry, and Flynn in Minny, too? Let us know in the comment box. Thanks.
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a guest December 07, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
I'll take Curry. tHEY JUST NEED TO fire nelson
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hastings December 07, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Look at Tyreke's numbers compared to LeBron in his first year. Almost identical! I think Tyreke has a shot of being a franchise player... soon. Brandon Jennings will be a great point guard, but potentially I think Evans has the edge. If one of these teams manages to make the playoffs this year, I give the ROY honors to that player.
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a guest December 08, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Jennings!,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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kniv3s December 29, 2009
Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Right now, I would say that they are about even as far as ROTY honors go. Jennings started off white-hot, but has tapered off a bit in the last 4 games or so. Evans, who has received less attention, has been consistently producing good numbers. The 55 point game will stand out in minds for a bit longer, which explains why Jennings' hype train is still in (loco) motion. Personally, I'll go ahead and say Jennings will find his stride once again and continue to impress all the way to officially winning Rookie of the Year.
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marquis February 15, 2010
...
brandon is better
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