With the trade between the Knicks and the Pistons, the Knicks have once again strengthened the immediate players they need and are expected to go further in the playoffs. But for Evan Fournier, a former Knicks player, it may be more joyful because he finally got the opportunity he has been waiting for two years: to play on the court.
Whenever we talk about European defenders, most people’s first impression is that they are team-oriented and have good tactical qualities. However, due to their lack of size and physical fitness compared to American players, they usually play more of a role in connecting the team’s attacking rhythm, rather than being a random slasher.
However, Evan Fournier, a player from France, went against the norm of European defenders and used random attacks to carve out a niche for himself.
Ignore that one Tony Parker is the iconic Frenchman
“Having a very strong body helps him attack the basket.”
“Although he is not very explosive, his dribbling can help him get rid of his opponent in the first step.”
“He’s very cunning offensively. He’s a natural genius.”
“His scoring methods are very diverse, including three-point shooting, cutting, and spot-up shooting…”
“For a 19-year-old, he has good passing vision.”
“At this stage, he can do almost everything on the basketball court.”
“But it’s not very good.”
“He needs to improve his outside shooting and stability, and his passing must be more accurate.”
For a child growing up in France, it is easier to like football than basketball. However, for Fournier, a chance encounter changed his life. At that time, there was no room for him on the football team, so he was directed to contact basketball, a decision that brought drastic changes to his future.
Fournier then started playing basketball, and as the draft report said, he quickly distinguished himself on the court with his talent. After Tony Parker opened up the French players’ profile, many scouts began to focus on this supernova from France. However, unlike most French players who regard Parker as a national hero, Fournier respects Parker, but his idol is another player.
“If you’re French, you have to respect Tony Parker’s contribution.”
“Even if you’re not a fan of his.”
“But my favorite is still the 2002 Kings.”
“I still don’t want to believe they lost to the Lakers.”
“It was this series that made me fall in love with basketball.”
It is also for this reason that when Fournier chose the number to carry, it was not the No. 9 of his predecessor Parker, but the No. 10 of the Kings’ main guard Mike Bibby. However, compared to the stability of his idol, the then 19-year-old Fournier’s handling of details on the court was still too rough. Although he has a height of 6 feet 6 inches, which is a high standard among shooting guards, he was drafted poorly due to lack of experience. After falling into the lottery, he was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 20th overall pick in the 2012 draft.
“I think I can handle the NBA game.”
“Because I’m ready.”
Despite his rhetoric, Fournier only played 38 games in his rookie year. After all, the Nuggets were a team that wanted to make the playoffs, and there was no room for the young Fournier to try and make mistakes. In addition, the backcourt rotation was basically divided between Andre Miller, Ty Lawson, and Andre Iguodala. , so Fournier can only get some playing time when the three of them are injured.
However, the opportunity did not wait too long. The Nuggets entered reconstruction next season, and the young Fournier naturally became the target of the team’s training. He became the main substitute this season, playing in 76 games, averaging 8.4 points and 1.5 assists per game. . On the offensive end, Fournier’s all-around style of shooting, cutting, and passing makes him a great role in connecting offensive firepower on the bench; but on the defensive end, Fournier’s weakness is, although his height of 6 feet and 6 inches interferes with him. He has the advantage on the ball, but his insufficient lateral speed prevents him from catching up with smaller defenders. His thin body makes it difficult for him to match up with the forwards. Therefore, his position in the Nuggets has always been above the bench, and he has not yet started. full status.
This also led the Golden Nuggets to decide to trade Fournier to the Magic after his second season in exchange for old player Arron Afflalo, who has more firepower and experience than Fournier.
An interesting thing to mention here is that Devyn Marble, who was a rookie at the time, was also packaged and sent to the Magic along with Fournier, who is now a Dreamer.
It was also this trade that became the key to Fournier’s complete blossoming.
Data explosion but staying afloat
Before the start of Fournier’s third year in his career, he was traded to the Magic. During the summer vacation during that period, Fournier represented France at the 2014 World Championships and helped France win the bronze medal. The experience gave him the opportunity to learn from experienced seniors like Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw, experience that was instrumental in his rise to prominence with the Magic.
2024-02-25 06:56:01
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