By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
French national team coach Vincent Collet hopes that his star player Evan Fournier will be traded by the New York Knicks and get to a team where he gets actual playing time.
“What I want is for him to be able to change location to be able to play again,” Collet said per French network RMC Sport. “But unfortunately, we are not the ones who have the keys. It’s definitely complicated. In this case, it’s not an advantage how big his contract is. It is obvious that franchises would be ready to welcome him, but certainly not under these conditions.”
Fournier’s only appearance during 2023-24 so far took place during a blowout 120 – 99 win over the Washington Wizards for the In-Season Tournament. The 31-year-old swingman spent 16 minutes on the floor, scoring two points on 1-6 from the field.
During the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Fournier told Eurohoops that he “knows he can help the Knicks” and that he wants to play and be successful. He went on to average 10.5 points over four preseason games but was sidelined once more.
“It’s a bit complicated,” Collet added, worried also about the fact that Fournier may join the national team for the 2024 Olympics without many games under his feet if he ultimately spends the entire season with the Knicks. “For the moment there is still hope, as I said we are still far away, we are only at the start of the NBA season. His situation in New York will not change, Tom Thibodeau announced it. He should be able to leave.”
Photo: FIBA Basketball