ProToppers: Courtney Lee and Jeremy Evans Continue in NBA Preseason
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Over the weekend, the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz both double-dipped in preseason action, but out of the 4 games, only the Celtics were able to pick up a W, winning Saturday’s matchup with the Knicks 111-81. The Celtics dropped Friday’s meeting with the 76ers 97-85, and the Jazz struggled over the weekend, losing Friday to the Trail Blazers 96-86 and dropping Saturday’s to the L.A. Clippers 106-74.
And, just like their respective teams, former WKU standouts Courtney Lee and Jeremy Evans aren’t having the best stretches of basketball. Jeremy Evans was the only of the two to start a game over the weekend (Friday vs. Portland), but both played a good amount of minutes, As Lee played the 2nd most of any Celtic on Friday (24 min) and had 7 points (his most points this preseason since Oct. 7th vs. Toronto) on Saturday in the C’s first win of the preseason. Over the weekend, Lee also had 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Boston will next be in action tomorrow against Brooklyn, and it looks like Lee has been relegated from regular starter to 6th or 7th man on the Celtics. However, it is only the preseason, and we will see if this holds or changes as the NBA season gets here officially.
Jeremy Evans started his first game for the Jazz this preseason at center against the Trail Blazers Friday night, but unfortunately wasn’t much of a force to be reckoned with. He played the least amount of time of all starters (15:40) and only contributed 4 points (but, on the bright side, only missed one shot from the floor) and was credited with a steal. And while he didn’t start on Saturday, he was more of a presence for Utah, as he played 21:51 off the bench (which was the most playing time from a bench player, and 2nd only to starting forward Gordon Hayward) and grabbed 3 boards. His point total was low again, but obviously Utah likes what they see from him off the bench, and it seems he has all but wrapped up that 6th man spot for the 2013-2014 year. The Jazz will face off against the Blazers once again, this time on Wednesday for Utah’s next preseason game. Mr. Evans is penciled in for the start, and tip off is set for 8 pm CT.
Keep checking right here on WTRT all season for updates on Lee and Evans. Also, if talking about either player on twitter, join in the WTRT (@WaveTheRedTowel) conversation by using #ProToppers.
Also, if you’re looking for insight and opinion, as well as analysis of the Celtics and Jazz, check out each respective team’s fansided pages: hardwoodhoudini.com and purpleandblues.com
Stand up and cheers.