Tyreke Evans (knee) may not be back to full health until late in the preseason, Justin Verrier of ESPN.com reports.

Evans (knee) may not be back to full health until late in the preseason, Justin Verrier of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Evans was one of several Pelicans players to succumb to a season-ending injury, but his knee problems have been a more chronic issue than the other ailments that befell his teammates. Back in February, the 26-year-old required his third procedure on his right knee in nine months, with this latest surgery designed to replace cartilage in three areas of the knee. Because of Evans' problematic history of knee injuries, he'll require a lengthier timetable than usual for his recovery, and could be subjected to restricted minutes when he does return, at least in the early stages of the 2016-17 season. Few players carry more risk than Evans heading into the upcoming campaign, likely making it unwise to invest an early-round selection in him.