HOUSTON - Everyone I encounter these days seem to have an opinion as to what Tyreke Evans should do with his injured foot.
Writers that cover other teams, fantasy basketball players and local media around the Kings - it doesn't matter. We all have our opinion as to what Evans should do.
(I think fantasy owners are the most distraught right now. 20-5-5 has given way to 16-4-5).
Evans has been advised some close to him to rest his left foot that's bothered by plantar fasciitis.
The message from the team in the last couple of days has been consistent. If Evans feels he's in too much pain to play, he should say so, and he won't play.
But based on the opinions the Kings medical staff and a second opinion Evans' agent Arn Tellem sought, Evans can play as long as he sticks with the walking boot off the court, sleeping with a splint along with medicine and exercises to keep his foot from getting tight.
"His diagnosis is still a minor case of plantar faciitiis," said Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie earlier today. "He's closer to not having it at all than having it."
Evans is in Houston with the Kings, which from what I'm told would have been the case even if he weren't playing.
Petrie said the training staff needs to monitor Evans rehab so he wouldn't have been left in Sacramento. And if Evans can't play, it would be up to him to say so when consulting with the team.
"It's that and being honest with your own body," Petrie said.
Evans said he was told he might have to take time off if the pain becomes too much.
We won't know until later today here if Evans decides to sit out.
But until then, here's a brief recap of the travails of Evans' left foot:
Oct. 13: Tyreke turns both ankles in an exhibiton loss to the Lakers in Las Vegas. Hurts the left ankle after coming down on Theo Ratliff's foot and says that one hurts more.
Nov. 25: Kings are blown out on Thanksgiving. Evans says it's not a sprained ankle, but plantar fasciitis that has slowed him during the season. Adds the foot is "no excuse" for his play.
Nov. 26: Evans says he has no intention of sitting out games because of plantar fasciitis. Adds he played through it in college.
Dec. 7: Evans stays in Los Angeles after Kings lose to the Clippers to visit Dr. Richard Ferkel for a second opinion on his foot.
Dec. 8: Evans tells me he has a stress fracture before the Kings play the Wizards. Says he doesn't have one after the game.
Dec. 9: Evans has an MRI that confirms plantar fasciitis. He's still cleared play and continue treatment.
Dec. 11: Evans goes two for 10 in loss to Miami. Westphal says Evans play is a concern.
Dec. 12: Evans' brother, Julius, tweets Tyreke is going to sit to let his foot heal. Team says Tyreke hasn't told them he will sit.
Dec. 13: Tyreke travels with team to Houston and is listed as day-to-day.
--Jason Jones
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