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This off season the Utah Jazz had only one true free agent, unrestricted forward Jeremy Evans, and now he is gone. He has signed a multi-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks. It's sucks. Jeremy Evans was more than just a crowd pleaser in his limited minutes, but he was exactly what you'd want out of a player. Period. He was team-first all the way and never grumbled about his role or any assignment the team had for him. He played in the NBA DL, and proved that he was too good for that league. He proved himself in practice every day, and was rarely injured. While you could argue that in five seasons he did not develop the ball handling, perimeter defense, or outside shooting to deserve more playing time as a 4/3, he never quit on his team. He never took plays off. And while he was a thin, hyper athletic PF during the renaissance of big, burly bigmen he still found a way to be exciting and efficient on the court. Few players boast as gaudy advanced statistics. He's unselfish with the ball, and knows how to finish plays on offense and defense. Evans is an deserving NBA player and it's just a shame to see him leave the franchise that scouted him, brought him in for predraft workouts, and drafted him in the second round.
In his last season under Tyrone Corbin he had more of a regular spot in the roster, however, he was not able to survive the transition to Quin Synder. With Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert eating up 30 minutes each, there wasn't enough room for him, Trevor Booker, non-guaranteed Jack Cooley, rookie Trey Lyles, and the hint of European 7'3 bigman Tibor Pleiss. Jeremy is an awesome dude, and he will be missed.
I want to thank the @utahjazz for a great 5 years and I enjoyed every minute of it. Wish the Utah jazz nothing but the best.
— Jeremy Evans (@JeremyEvans40) July 5, 2015
I want to thank the @dallasmavs for welcoming me to your family!!! I'm so excited to join the team!!! GO MAVS!!!
— Jeremy Evans (@JeremyEvans40) July 5, 2015
Going to miss all my BOyyyyss and fans. A great team is being made there in Utah.
— Jeremy Evans (@JeremyEvans40) July 5, 2015
Here are the reactions from some of his teammates:
Happy for my guy @JeremyEvans40! Wishing you all the best in Dallas! Gonna miss whoopin u in Fifa #igetdubs
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) July 5, 2015
Congrats to my guy @JeremyEvans40!! One of the best teammates I've had.. Wish you all the best my friend!
— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) July 5, 2015
Here's what Utah Media has had to say:
Reports are that the Mavs signed Jeremy Evans, one of the biggest NBA success stories. Happy to see his career continue!
— Ben Anderson (@BenKFAN) July 5, 2015
That Jeremy Evans volunteered to do Junior Jazz appearances around Jazzland for six straight years shows what kind of a man he is.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) July 5, 2015
Jeremy Evans on why he did the Junior Jazz tours. http://t.co/FadYsJYV5C pic.twitter.com/L0duCcEVep
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) July 5, 2015
When Hayward's locker was moved away from Evans' (after four years together), Jeremy joked he didn't make enough money to be G's neighbor.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) July 5, 2015
As a reporter, you enjoy covering some athletes because of their quality as a person. Jeremy Evans was one for me.
— Steve Luhm (@sluhm) July 5, 2015
A favorite story: During Jeremy Evans' rookie season, Jerry Sloan said he was worried about him driving such an old car with no snow tires.
— Steve Luhm (@sluhm) July 5, 2015
Jeremy Evans had several incredible plays in a Jazz uniform but this one is my personal favorite http://t.co/YQ501VN8OB
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) July 5, 2015
And, of course, the reaction from the unwashed internet:
Expected it but still sad to see Jeremy Evans go.
— moni (@monilogue) July 5, 2015
The kids with Jeremy Evans!! #DENatUTA pic.twitter.com/HTcfTeAHWh
— Diana (@dianaallen) April 1, 2015
I know @gordonhayward is sitting back in this pic, but I like how his feet are dangling from the bench @JeremyEvans40 pic.twitter.com/uXy2x5UJHx
— Kris (@5kl) April 13, 2015
The Utah Jazz are losing more than just a bench player today, but a great ambassador for the team in @JeremyEvans40 . Love that guy so much.
— Amar (@AllThatAmar) July 5, 2015
Jeremy Evans is actually a good low key replacement for Branden Wright.
— Clark Schmutz (@Clarkpojo) July 5, 2015
This Triple Team had a compilation of some of Jeremy Evans' best artwork: http://t.co/hbtC8ZTlN9
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) July 5, 2015
Good to hear about @JeremyEvans40. Glad to see he found a landing spot in the league. Amazing person. EVEN more amazing dunker.
— Mylo (@My_Lo) July 5, 2015
On the plus side for @JeremyEvans40, because he's closer to southern BBQ he might be able to add that ever elusive weight.
— Mylo (@My_Lo) July 5, 2015
Losing another Jazz #40 that I love has got me like but I was already like that because #USA #USA #USA. I'm just a bundle of emotions.
— shandonfan (@shandonfan) July 5, 2015
.@JeremyEvans40 Congrats on signing with Dallas. Listen, is there any way you could come back and still do the Junior Jazz tour next year?
— Jimbo Slice (@JimboRudding) July 5, 2015
But tell me Rick Carlisle can't do something with this. https://t.co/6op4w4ASdK
— Brian Schroeder (@Cosmis) July 5, 2015
For more on the Mavs side of things, please visit Mavs Moneyball:
Jeremy Evans agrees to 2-year deal with the Mavericks, per report http://t.co/JvpQnN4EBW pic.twitter.com/aFNB0OcHj0
— Mavs Moneyball (@mavsmoneyball) July 5, 2015
We will miss you so much Jeremy, not just for your on the court excitement, or off the court dedication -- but mostly just for who you are as a person. A Jazzman forever, and forever in our hearts.