Back in the States following his summer with the Blues, Evan Fournier is regarding to start his second season in New York. Spoiler, he will still hold position 2.
Let Charenton rest assured, there will be a year II for Evan Fournier with the Knicks. Announced on the departure this summer, in particular with the insistent rumors concerning Donovan Mitchell, the French rear will have the right to a new chance at Big Apple. The opportunity for him to meet expectations following a statistically correct first season (14.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 42% shooting, 39% from distance) but marked by a lot of irregularity and difficulties in defense. What give rise to certain theories on the plans of Tom Thibodeau at the start of the school year. Some indeed imagined a change of role for Evan Fournier, the latter becoming sixth man while the young and promising Quentin Grimes would arrive in the starting five. A way to strengthen the firepower of the bench while giving greater responsibilities to the captain of the Blues, since he would be the leader of the second unit. In the end it will be nothing and Vavane will remain the starter at fullback. Tom Thibodeau confirmed it at the microphone of Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Tom Thibodeau says Evan Fournier is the frontrunner to start at shooting guard.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) September 27, 2022
Unless the situation turns around, it is therefore a Brunson-Fournier backcourt that will start the season in New York. Both players are not known for their defensive solidity but they are excellent shooters and both RJ Barrett and Julius Randle need space to fully show their qualities. It remains to be seen now how the mayonnaise will take and we are obviously not immune to a change during the season. We saw last year (hello Kemba) that Thibs was not at all cautious regarding changing his holders. More than just a tactical change, it’s also a trade that might redistribute the cards. Randle and Fournier have been rumored in more than one rumor in recent months and depending on in-season results or opportunities in the transfer market, either might pack their bags. A distant scenario certainly but to keep in a corner of the head. A quiet season in New York is not a normal season.
Evan Fournier will still start this season in New York. The native of Charenton retains the confidence of Tom Thibodeau, it is up to him to justify this confidence by getting out of the big perfs now.
Source texte : Fred Katz / The Athletic
