The lost touch of Golden State

Each day up until the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 25, I will be taking control of an NBA franchise to select its next star (it seems in this classes case, its next seventh man).

7. Golden State Warriors — Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis

Oh, how quickly some tend to fall back to Earth.

It seems like only yesterday when the Warriors accomplished one of the largest upsets in league history during the 2007 NBA Playoffs. At the time, it looked like downing the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first-round was a glance into a resurrection for the dismal franchise.

Not so much.

Point guard Baron Davis dipped to L.A. for a hefty contract, promising guard Monta Ellis popped too many wheelies on his 'super-sweet' scooter and Head Coach Don Nelson looked on as his team slipped further and further away from what it once hinted.

A roster that includes Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette and Jamal Crawford doesn't exactly scream consistency.

The 6-foot-5 Evans played the combo-guard well in his freshman season at Memphis, averaging 17 points, five rebounds and four assists a game. Ellis is still in the Warriors plans for the future and adding Evans would give Golden State a capable and athletic backcourt.

Evans could take the reign at point and allow Ellis to return to his more natural position on the wing, where his ability to slash would be best used. Thanks to his time under John Calipari, Evans also has experience in an up-tempo offense. That comes in handy with a guy like Nellie, who runs his teams so much, they often go crashing into the ground.

UCLA's Jrue Holiday is also an option, but he is as raw as they come in this class. Evans provides instant production, if Nellie gives him the minutes over Maggette and Crawford.