Tyreke Evans Rookie Season
The kid who shocked the league, becoming an All-Star before his first season ended.
The 2009-10 NBA season marked the explosive arrival of Tyreke Evans, a generational talent who became the face of the New Orleans Hornets just as the franchise was rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and a devastating earthquake in Haiti. Drafted second overall by Charlotte but immediately traded to New Orleans, Evans' rookie campaign is legendary not for its statistics alone, but for his unprecedented status as an All-Star selection before ever playing a full season.
- Role
- Point Guard / Shooting Guard
- Affiliation
- New Orleans Hornets (2009-10)
- Draft Status
- 2nd Overall Pick (2009 NBA Draft)
- Status
- Historic All-Star Rookie
- Key Achievement
- First rookie to start an NBA All-Star Game since 1974
Lore & Background
Beyond the accolades, Evans' season was defined by his ability to take over games against elite competition. He posted numerous double-doubles and triple-doubles, showcasing a versatility that suggested he could be a franchise cornerstone for decades. The city embraced him immediately, with fans filling the New Orleans Arena (now Smoothie King Center) hoping to witness more of his electric drives and clutch finishes.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the New Orleans Arena was thick with humidity and anticipation as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter. Tyreke Evans dribbled at the top of the key, his jersey soaked, eyes locked on the rim. The crowd, a sea of green and gold, held its breath. With ten seconds left, he drove past two defenders, absorbing contact without losing balance, and launched a floater that kissed the backboard and dropped through the net. It wasn't just a basket; it was a statement to the league: the new era had begun.
Reader's Guide
The franchise's path to Tyreke Evans began with the 2009 NBA Draft, where the Charlotte Bobcats selected him second overall only to trade his rights immediately to New Orleans. This move signaled a clear intent from management to build around young talent following years of instability.
Evans' immediate impact was undeniable. He started every game for the Hornets that season, averaging over 20 points per night while displaying elite playmaking skills. His performance forced NBA voters to recognize him as an All-Star mid-season, a rare feat that brought national attention back to the struggling franchise.
The season concluded with Evans winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award, cementing his legacy as one of the most exciting debuts in league history. This era defined the early 2010s for New Orleans, setting a high bar for future young stars and establishing a culture of resilience that would eventually lead to the team's rebranding as the Pelicans.
Did You Know?
- Tyreke Evans is one of only two rookies in NBA history to be named an All-Star (the other being Dominique Wilkins).
- He became the first rookie since Moses Malone in 1974 to start an NBA All-Star Game.
- Evans was drafted by Charlotte but never played a game for them, as his rights were traded to New Orleans before the season began.