Kings notes: Evans still plagued by woeful shooting

Eight games into the season, Kings guard Tyreke Evans hasn't shown that his perimeter shooting has improved.

Evans is shooting 38 percent from the field and 19 percent on three-pointers.

According to NBA.com/stats, Evans is 7 of 39 on shots outside of eight feet (17.9 percent) and 52.8 percent (28 of 53) from eight feet and closer.

Kings coach Keith Smart said Evans is an improved shooter, despite the statistics.

"You see it when he's shooting in practice," Smart said. "Now we've got to get that from the practice floor to the game floor for him to be effective in a basketball game."

Evans said he needs to work to get the ball in his preferred areas on the court. When he's not in transition, it has been hard for Evans to get the ball in spots where he's comfortable.

"I'd love to get the ball on the post more," Evans said. "I think I have a better advantage (in the post). When I need a bucket, that's when I try to tell coach to get me on the post or on the elbow."

Smart said Evans is cutting to the basket on offense and defending well, but teams still are daring him to shoot jump shots. And thus far that strategy has been successful.

Smart said he would push Evans to penetrate and draw fouls.

"Maybe he's pressing to prove to the world that I worked so hard on my shooting and I want to show you that it has happened," Smart said. "It may not kick in until next year, but let's not move away from some of your strengths."

Smart said Evans' shooting problems aren't caused by his form.

"I don't even bother him with his shooting anymore because the more you emphasize certain things, the more pressure a player may put on himself," Smart said.

Team building – The Kings are starting to get their roster back together after suspensions, illness and personal matters.

Guard Isaiah Thomas (personal reasons) will be with the team today after missing Tuesday's loss to Portland, Smart said.

Guard Aaron Brooks (sore left ankle) started for Thomas but didn't play after the first quarter, and Smart said it was his decision to hold Brooks out Tuesday as a precaution. Brooks practiced Wednesday.

Forward Francisco Garcia (flu) also missed Tuesday's game and did not practice Wednesday.

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