spongyfungy

Maurice Evans got the message, but he still isn't sure what to make of it.

Coach Flip Saunders had mentioned to reporters last week that he likes what Evans has brought to the team so far, but he wants to see him make more of the routine plays, not just the "spectacular" ones.

"He does things that a coach can't teach," Saunders said, "with some of his athleticism and the things he does. But sometimes he messes things up in rotations, and that's more mental concentration, and those are things that we can teach."

The next day at practice, Saunders asked Evans if he'd read the comments, specifically the "spectacular" play vs. routine one.

"And I said no," Evans said, "and he told me what he said, but he didn't elaborate."

Saunders explained to reporters that Evans' problems are minimal. Keeping his head up to turn a fast break into a scoring chance. Rotating at the correct times on defense.

"I have higher expectations for what I want out of him," Saunders said. "And from his standpoint, that's good. ... He's got a chance to really do something in this league, so I'm always on him a lot."

So far this season, with Antonio McDyess still finding his way in Saunders' offense, Evans has been the Pistons' best scorer off the bench, averaging 6.8 points and 17.4 minutes. He also has limited his turnovers, with just half a giveaway a game.

So when he heard Saunders' comments, Evans said he didn't know what to think.

"I think I'm pretty aware defensively, or he wouldn't put me on the better offensive players," Evans said. "And as for concentration, I think if you have a high turnover ratio, that's where that problem happens. I don't know. I know the offense. I guess it's a backhanded compliment that I can make spectacular plays, and if he has high expectations for me, that's good."


http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...511300390/1051

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