Evan Fournier is having a rough time on the Knicks. Since being pulled from the rotation early last season, Fournier has been waiting for a trade that hasn’t materialized while still not even getting a chance to show what he can do on the court. National teammate Rudy Gobert called the Knicks out for their treatment of the French star.
“He’s the best shooter on the team. He’s the best shooter on the Knicks… I think he can contribute and help a lot of teams. I think everybody knows it. But it’s kind of weird when you end up on the bench and you don’t really know why.”
Gobert also questioned why Fournier is being benched at all and why he’s not been moved when he can clearly contribute to a team in the NBA.
“I think he can contribute and help a lot of teams. I think everybody knows it. But it’s kind of weird when you end up on the bench and you don’t really know why. Sometimes you can be stuck in a situation — I know he’s going to have an opportunity again, and everybody will understand that he can help and win. And do it at a high level. And do it every night.”
Gobert also brought up the lack of communication between Fournier and coach Tom Thibodeau, while also reaffirming his belief in Fournier’s ability to contribute on a different NBA team this season.
“It’s unfortunate that it feels disrespectful. When things go that way and communication is not where he’d like it to be with his coach. But I think it’s better now — hopefully. He looked great [Saturday night]. I know it’s going to be all right. And if it’s not here, it’s somewhere else. So if they don’t value him, I know there’s a lot of other teams that would take him on. And I know he’s a winner. He’s a great teammate. He keeps putting in the work. And I know he always will. Good things will happen.”
Fournier averaged 14.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in the 2021/22 season when he played strong minutes for the Knicks. He shot 38.9% from three, which would’ve been the second-best on the squad last season behind Jalen Brunson.
Evan Fournier Blames Tom Thibodeau For His Situation
As Gobert alluded to it, Fournier’s relationship with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has completely fallen apart. Fournier blasted Coach Thibs in an explosive interview earlier in the offseason.
“You want to spit on everyone. You have hatred. Derrick Rose and I looked at each other and said to each other: ‘What the hell are we doing here?’ During the five-on-five practice, we were on the side like some prospects. Uncool times. And when I realized that wouldn’t change, I took things more slowly. I focused on myself and didn’t let the rest get to me anymore.”
Rose has already found his future home, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. Rose has also confirmed he joined the Grizzlies because he’ll be able to play, not joining the team just to be a veteran leader for Ja Morant.
Fournier has an $18 million contract that would’ve been hard for many teams to absorb last season because it’s also payable through the 2023/24 season. As an expiring deal, Fournier likely gets moved this year. But it’s clear it won’t be happening before the start of the season, making the 30-year-old wait even longer to finally get to play for a different team.
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