By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The New York Knicks demoted former starting shooting guard Evan Fournier to a bench role, and that led to the French international scoring 2,7 points with 14,8 minutes over six games since moving to the second unit.
During Sunday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, an 11-year veteran shot 0-5 from the field.
“The thing is when you only shoot three times a game… It adds up. And at the end of the season, you look at your percentage and it’s not good,” Fournier said after not scoring in Sunday’s game, per NY Post. “But it’s just hard to find a rhythm right now. I think not knowing the rotation, what’s coming your way… I have to do a better job of all that and just being in the moment, being ready for whatever.”
Fournier is shooting just 20 percent from the floor, and 18,8 percent from beyond the arc over the six games, but he hasn’t spoken to coach Tom Thibodeau about his reduced role.
“No, there’s no reason for me to talk to him about that. It’s not about me. It’s about us winning games,” the French guard added.
The 30-year-old player noted he hasn’t played so few minutes since his second year in the NBA when he averaged 19,8 minutes with the Denver Nuggets.
“I’m not gonna lie. I’m getting stiff on the bench now because I’m a little older. My knees can’t take it anymore,” Fournier said with a laugh. “But yeah, it’s not an excuse at all. I just have to figure it out myself, so I can help the team. That’s all I can say.”
Evan Fournier was picked by the Nuggets as the 20th pick in the 2012 NBA draft and spent two years in Colorado. He wore Orlando Magic’s jersey for seven years before joining Boston Celtics.
On 17 August 2021, the New York Knicks acquired him in a sign-and-trade deal with the Celtics, and Frenchman will make $18 million for this season, with $18.9 million guaranteed for 2023-24.