The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

Phenom. Star in the making. The future.

At just 20 years old, Tyreke Evans continues down the path to NBA stardom. And while remaining humble, the Kings rookie certainly appeared hungry for some accolades on April 8. Evans pieced together one of his most jaw-dropping games of the season against the Los Angeles Clippers, going into full attack mode from the tip.

He finished with 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds, corkscrewing, bullying and finessing his way to the basket at will. After Sacramento’s April 10 meeting with Dallas, Evans now needs just 24 points over his final games to reach the historic “20-5-5″ plateau.

Tyreke Evans is on his way to history. (Photo courtesy Dave Heylen)

“It’s like, ’20-5-5,’ ” Evans told the Sacramento Bee. ” ‘You gotta get it.’ People tell me I need this many rebounds or that many points. But … the Rookie of the Year Award is the one I want, and I want to keep getting better.”

The most surprising aspect of Evans’ run to history has been his ability to stay grounded. The Kings have made him the focal point of the team on and off the court, and yet Evans shows no nervousness and continues to flourish.

Evans may not want to talk about 20-5-5, but the accomplishment would put him among NBA elite. Some facts about 20-5-5…

* Only three rookies have ever averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists — Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

* Three players in the NBA are averaging 20-5-5 this season — Kobe Bryant, James and Evans.

* Only nine NBA players have averaged 20-5-5 over a season in the past five years. 

* Only LeBron James averaged 20-5-5 at a younger age than Evans.

The Kings remaining schedule includes matchups with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, two tough teams in the NBA. Evans will not be able to coast to any achievements.

But don’t expect him to worry about it.