By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
With many EuroLeague teams on the market in search of a mid-season boost, Tyreke Evans is available on the market. The 29 years old player who has been dismissed and disqualified from the NBA for violating the terms of the NBA/National Basketball Players Association anti-drug program, can make a return in Europe.
After being punished last May, Evans is eligible to apply for NBA reinstatement in two years. However, his ban doesn’t affect his status as a player in Europe.
The rookie of the year in the 2009-10 season has been offered during the last month around Europe, and teams like Baskonia and Olympiacos are in search of a backcourt player.
In the past, NBA players who have been banned under this policy, like Roy Tarpley, Richard Dumas, and Micheal Ray Richardson, have played in Europe and even made an NBA comeback after successful seasons in the old continent.
A player can be reinstated only with the approval of both the NBA and the players’ association.
Meanwhile, the financial demands of Evans seem more than the EuroLeague teams are willing to pay at this point.
Evans has played ten seasons in the NBA. The Sacramento Kings drafted him out of Memphis with the fourth overall pick in 2009. He also has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers, and Memphis Grizzlies.