By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Evan Fournier talked to reporters about entering the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season, his tenth overall and first at the New York Knicks.
“The season is kind of my first time being the new guy on the team. But I have no concerns at all,” noted the French swingman.
Fournier, 28, was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics in August. He reportedly inked a four-year, $78M contract as a free agent. Despite the subsequent poor showings in the 2021 NBA Preseason, he is looking forward to the 2021-22 Regular Season games.
“Preseason is preseason. It’s actually made to make mistakes and to learn from your teammates and plays and stuff,” he pointed out, “Once the season starts you start to get into a rhythm. The main thing is to be yourself.”
The experienced NBA player, 20th overall pick of the 2012 draft, was limited to 35.5% from the field and 30.0% from three-point ranger over the four preseason fixtures. He averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest.
“Obviously nobody takes preseason lightly. But there’s not the same intensity, there’s not the same focus. Because once it starts, it starts for real.” he said turning his focus to the official opener against the Celtics at home on Wednesday, “Especially when you have a big game like Boston.”
Fournier registered 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game at Boston to complete his 2020-21 campaign. On an expiring contract, he was traded in March by the Orlando Magic following a lengthy run at the Florida organization.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL