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Tyreke Evans talks Chester charity, expectations as a Pelican

Q: How did your partnership with VSP Vision begin?

A: "This is the fourth year I've worked with VSP. I got connected with them through a diabetes event and have been working with them every year since. We have always had a great relationship and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."

Q: A lot of players, once they make it to the professional level are content with just taking care of their immediate inner circle, or their "entourage." What does it mean for you to be able to give back to your hometown at large?

A: "It means a lot, especially to come back to the city that I came from. It's tough to make it out of there, and a lot of people don't. Me, I was able to make it out and make it to the NBA. I know in my city a lot of kids love sports and love basketball, so just to see their faces when I come out and talk to them [means a lot]. I think it's a good thing because they don't see too many NBA players or people like that, but it shows them that it is possible.

Q: What do you think it means to the kids?

A: "I think it means a lot. It shows them someone who came from where they're from that made it all the way to the NBA. Just the other day, I was playing knockout with some kids and they were just really excited, it was their first time to get to meet an NBA player, it's fun and exciting for them."

Q: You do charity work all over the country, but what's different or special about being able to give back to where you're from in Philadelphia?

A: "Philadelphia is just different, man. A lot of people don't get to see the Philly area like that, but where we're from it's tough coming out. It means a lot to be able to give to the kids and the parents of the community, and maybe it could inspire somebody else."

Q: Speaking of Philly, as you were entering your free agency period this past summer, the Sixers were sitting on a lot of cap space. Was there any thoughts in the back of your mind that it would be cool to play close to home and sign with the Sixers?

A: "I mean, definitely. I wouldn't mind coming back and playing close to [Chester]. My family would get to come to most of the games which would be nice."

Q: [The Sixers] could use you this season.

A: (chuckles).

Q: You spent your first four seasons in Sacramento. Now, you're coming to a new team with a lot of new, young parts. What type of expectations do you have for the season?

A: "I have very high expectations for this team to grow together and to be one of the best teams in the West. We're going to grow together, get to know each other, push each other and build together. It won't happen overnight, it's definitely a process, but we have time."

Q: You've stated that you've been working on your shooting this summer, what else have you been working on to prepare for the season?

A: "I've just been working on everything overall, trying to stay fresh. I've been shooting, catching up on ball-handling, just trying to get better."

Q: Your new teammate Jrue Holiday is on record as saying that the name 'Pelicans' is kind of 'funny', what do you think about it?

A: "It is kind of funny. A lot of times when I hear someone say Pelicans we kind of laugh because it's new and we're still not used to hearing it yet. But hopefully we can start winning some games and then it won't be as funny."