Apr 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Jeremy Evans (40) misses a dunk in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

It was five years ago that the Utah Jazz took a chance on a lanky Hilltopper from Western Kentucky with the No. 55 pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. Although he often spent more time at the end of the bench than on the floor in his tenure with the team, this spring-footed stringbean left an indelible mark on the franchise.

Of course I’m talking about Jeremy Evans, a man who was beloved by Jazz Nation in equal measure for his explosive leaping ability on the court and a pleasant, soulful demeanor off of it.

As we bid adieu to July, we also pay witness to the end of Evans’ run in Utah–the six-foot-nine forward just signed a free agent contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Evans’ departure was something of a foregone conclusion. He came to terms with Dallas in early July and the writing was already on the wall with the drafting of Trey Lyles and signing of Tibor Pleiss. Still, seeing Evans’ name bandied about on the Twitter account of a conference rival leaves a certain sting deep in the guts of the Jazz Faithful.

The man was an artist, both figuratively with his incredible dunking prowess and in the literal sense with his ability to create works of wonder with the pencil or a paintbrush–

His greatest moment as a Jazzman probably came during the 2012 All-Star Weekend when Evans walked away with the Slam Dunk Contest championship. Jazz fans had been well aware of Evans’ ability to throw down, but to see it recognized on an international stage in front of basketball royalty was particularly sweet.

The only thing that would have been sweeter is if he hadn’t been robbed in his bid for a second slam dunk title the following year.

Jazz fans will miss Jeremy Evans, not just for his hardwood exploits, but for his caring nature in the community. Despite seeing his contract with the Jazz come to an end this summer, Evans hit the road to do what he always did–share his love of basketball with the youth of Utah during a Jr. Jazz road trip.

Can't believe Jeremy Evans is still doing the Jr. Jazz tour as a FA. He's going to 14 towns around Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming in 5 days. — Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) June 3, 2015

As hard as it may be to see him go, I can’t imagine there were many Jazz fans that weren’t happy to see him get a two-year deal with the Mavs. The league needs more players like Evans–players that truly “get it.” The fan base in Dallas will surely grow to love him in short order.

And, all the while, Jazz Nation will continue to root for him. He may be gone, but Evans’ impact on the Jazz and the state in which they play will never be forgotten.