Evan Fournier had an opportunity to extend his NBA career, but he reveals in an interview with the French media outlet L’Equipe that he declined a two-year offer from the Wizards, according to French journalist Maxime Aubin (Twitter link).
The full interview won’t be posted until Thursday, but Aubin reports that Fournier said he wasn’t interested in taking on a “mentoring role” or playing for “a losing team.” That’s the situation he found himself in after being sent to Detroit at last season’s trade deadline. Fournier wound up playing 29 games for the Pistons and averaging 7.2 PPG off the bench in 18.7 minutes per night while shooting 37.3% from the field and 27% from three-point range, both far below his career averages.
The 32-year-old guard opted to return to Europe, agreeing to a two-year contract with Olimpiacos over the weekend. After being stuck in Tom Thibodeau’s doghouse with the Knicks and seeing very limited playing time over the past two seasons, Fournier wanted a situation where he could “enjoy playing basketball again,” per Aubin.
Fournier was one of the league’s most productive shooting guards during his six-plus seasons with Orlando, and he had a strong first year with New York, starting all 80 games he played while averaging 14.1 PPG and shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc. He fell out of favor with Thibodeau the next season because of his defensive shortcomings, but the Knicks’ front office decided to hold onto him and his hefty contract in case it was needed for a major trade.
At last month’s Olympics, Fournier showed he can still play at a high level against some of the world’s best competition. He averaged 9.8 points in six games to help French capture the silver medal.
Fournier received a hero’s welcome from Greek fans when he arrived at the airport and posted a short video of their response on Twitter. He told L’Equipe that playing in Europe became his priority after the Olympics wrapped up, Eurohoops relays.
“I would have liked to experience more things in the NBA, I only made the playoffs five times,” Fournier said. “But you don’t control everything about your destiny there. After the Olympic Games, I told my agent that I was keen to (return to Europe). Olympiacos was my priority.”
Lies. Even the Wizards aren’t that desperate.
Hmm, Who should I believe, Fournier, or a random person on the Internet who knows absolutely nothing?
Knicks didn’t plan him and they were injury riddled, that says something.
Could he sign with a bottom 5 team…sure but they are more likely going to give rookies and 1st contract guys that time to develop.
Well then we don’t want to hear anything about the NBA and you again. Missed out on a golden opportunity. This guy only hurts himself
He’s made 145 million dollars playing hoops.
How much do you think he’s hurting himself?
When will people stop claiming FIBA results matter for the NBA? Because they clearly don’t. I don’t think there is a simple explanation to explain it all though either.
Shroeder for example was the world cup MVP but is clearly best suited to be a back up in the NBA. Fournier can be productive for his national team but his defense makes him borderline unplayable in the modern NBA. One skill isn’t enough anymore, even if it’s shooting, if you don’t also defend at a decent level.
Bro I always love your posts but nobody in the NBA plays defense so that isn’t fair to Evan and yes one skill will get you in the NBA even if you are a homeless person, just a 3pt shot is all you need in today’s NBA. That’s it
If any of the guys you mentioned were Kyle korver like then they would all be in the league starting
Diaspora begins of bubble nba talent enjoying other parts of the world as a journeyman
“other parts of the world”
America is the other part of the world for Fournier.
Eva Longoria asked me out after my girlfriend dumped me but I turned her down. Loser girl.
Who can blame the guy? He doesnt just want to play basketball he wants to compete. Good for him for prioritizing his own values.
I agree, and not just as a Knicks fan. It makes all the sense in the world.
I believe every team should have a Udonis Haslem type as their 15th man. But of course, it has to be someone who wants that role. Kudos to Evan for realizing that ain’t him.