Reggie Evans is a hustler.
No, not that type of hustler. Evans is the blue collar-type -- the hard-working, underrated, underestimated hustler who any coach would love to have on his team.
The Sixers, however, traded him and his 6.7 rebounding average over two seasons to the Toronto Raptors in 2009 for Jason Kapono.
Remember that 12-point, 22-rebound game Evans had when he played his ex-team on November 24, 2010? Well, he surpassed that rebound total on Tuesday night, as the Brooklyn Nets defeated the 76ers, 109-89. Evans finished with a game-high 23 rebounds and tacked on two points just for fun.
The 76ers would love to have his 8.3 rebounds per game average now. Not one player on the Sixers' roster averages more than Evans. Thaddeus Young comes close at 7.1, followed by Evan Turner at 6.7 rebounds per game.
But ever since Evans arrived in the NBA, rebounding has been his modus operandi. His first head coach in Seattle, Nate McMillan saw to it.
"When Nate was talking to me, it didnt feel like no B.S.," Evans said. "It felt real. It felt genuine, it felt organic.Nate kind of helped me carve my own lane"
NBA
Evans wasnt reluctant to give up the scoring role. Seattles roster during Evans first year included Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis and Gary Payton. Another scorer wasnt needed.
It changed my mindset to the point where it was kind of easy, Evans said. I was like OK, I dont have to score. Take that out the picture.
But in reality, it was the moment when Evans, a University of Iowa product, didnt hear his name called in the 2002 draft when his mindset truly changed.
If I wouldve got drafted, I would have a different mindset, he said. But because I didnt get drafted and I had to come through the back door, I said, You know what, Im just going to play smart.
And 11 seasons later, here he is. Still grinding. Still hustling. Still bringing energy when the Nets need it most.
He brings energy every night, Nets forward Gerald Wallace said. We know what hes capable of doing. We know hes going after every board, trying to get every rebound.Thats how he makes his success in the league. He knows his role, and he does it very well.
Added Nets guard Joe Johnson: Hes a hard working guy, a blue-collar worker. He does a lot of the dirty work, a lot of the work that guys dont want to do. Hat just separates him from a lot of people.
Evans, 32, does have a small reputation for being a dirty player. In a Sports Illustrated poll, he was elected No.1, on a list that included Kevin Garnett, Metta World Peace, Chris Paul and even Gerald Henderson.
I feel like that just a sign of respect, he said. Its not like I look forward to being on the listbut, it is what it is.
But Evans does hear his name mentioned in a positive light, too, especially among some coaches. He said hes been told by coaches that they look for players like him, the Reggie Evans-type player. Someone wholl hit the glass, set screens, play defense, bring energy.
Asked if its humbling, Evans responded: Yeah. No question about it. For a guy who doesnt score the ball, I really carved my own lane.
Evans has never finished in the top 10 in rebounding during his career. He came close in the 2004-05 season, when he finished with an average of 9.3. His teammate, Kris Humphries, has finished in the top 10 twice in the last three seasons.
Its a work in progress, Evans said.
He was one rebound shy of setting a Wells Fargo Center record Tuesday. Golden State and former Milwaukee Bucks center, Andrew Bogut, and ex-New Jersey Nets center Jayson Williams each recorded 24-rebound games on the 76ers home floor.
They play of a lot of small ball, so you just take advantage, Evans said.
Evans familiarity with his former home court also played a role.
Me playing those two years, I still kind of know the building, he said. Its kind of like a 'home away from home' game."
E-mail Jabari Young at jyoung@comcastsportsnet.com