Friday, June 15, 2007

Puffers Posts - Coach to Scout to Coach - Mike Evans

Mike Evans, previously a scout for the Toronto Raptors, now their latest assistant coach, comes with a significant NBA pedigree.

In college Mike was twice selected Big Eight Player of the Year, while playing as a guard with Kansas State. Drafted 21st in 1978 by the Denver Nuggets, he was traded on draft day to Kansas City but started his playing career with San Antonio in 1979.

Mike played with three different NBA teams, the Spurs, Milwaukee and Cleveland before latching on with the Nuggets in a mid-season trade in 1983. He finished his playing career in Denver and remains in the top five Denver players in three pointers attempted and made. Mike was among the league leaders in 3 pt. percentages for several years. During his playing days he was known for his quickness and accuracy from long range.

Mike joined the Denver coaching staff in 1991. In 1995 he was promoted to Director of Player Personnel. In addition to coaching, he served as a TV analyst for the teams broadcasts throught the 1996-97 season.

In 2001, after firing Dan Issel, the team promoted Mike to Head Coach for the rest of the season. He was not able to turn the team around.

Now the question asked is, what does he bring to the table in the Raptors camp? And the answer is, time will tell