Evan Fournier’s new contract just a beginning

Evan Fournier officially signed his contract with the Orlando Magic. It was a moment to celebrate for a player given a chance, but also just a beginning.

The moment Evan Fournier arrived last season was perhaps relatively subtle.

It was not the step-back 3-pointer he made over Tayshaun Prince to secure an overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. That might be the moment, if there is such a thing, that cemented his place among the Magic’s key players and officially put a countdown timer on Victor Oladipo‘s chance to prove himself a star.

Fournier made his name in those two early season games against the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets. The back-to-back 30-point games that made everyone realize Fournier was more than the catch-and-shoot guy and young prospect the Magic took a chance on in trading Arron Afflalo to the Denver Nuggets two years ago.

This was a player who seemed to fit. Able to hit 3-pointers at a solid rate and drive into the lane better than anyone expected. Maybe those early-season outbursts were a product of teams not quite knowing he was yet and focusing on stopping Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo on the perimeter.

Fournier though remained consistent — averaging 15.4 points per game on a 54.6 percent effective field goal percentage. And that consistency was valued.

As the Magic changed the team this summer, it was almost certainly done with Fournier in mind. Fournier earned his big contract. But he is not going to rest on his laurels.

This is just the beginning for the 23-year-old guard.

“That is definitely a reward, but it is definitely not the end,” Fournier said. “It is just the beginning. It is a stop on the road. My main focus is basketball. I’m trying to be a great player. I’m trying to win. I have a very good opportunity to win here now. The money is a good thing, but you can never forget basketball is what matters. Winning is what matters. So you can’t just stop working.”

Fournier has grown tremendously, from a shooter who could not get off the bench in Denver for a Playoff team to a young guy on a rebuilding team trying to make the most of his opportunity. Last season, a contract year at that, proved to be Fournier at his very best.

He proved his value by just being solid. It was a height that did not seem completely possible when the Magic acquired him. They were the ones giving up on a near-All Star in Arron Afflalo for a nobody bench warmer. The Magic proved to have gotten the better of that deal.

It was clear Fournier was a priority this summer for the Magic. And it became clear the Magic were a priority for Fournier. Fournier reportedly turned down more money to stay with the Magic. It was always his goal to stay in Orlando. He felt comfortable in Orlando.

The organization had his back too. They truly believed in him.

Hennigan praised his hard work and commitment. As the clock counted toward midnight on July 1, Fournier was in the Amway Center working out trying to get every last second he could before he was officially a free agent (and barred from unlimited access to the arena until he signed a new contract).

To have his “competitiveness and his character and his toughness” back, gives the team plenty of confidence.

That confidence meant plenty to Fournier. It meant more to him that Rob Hennigan and the Magic believed in him before everyone else. He did not want money thrown at him and to take the highest bidder.

“That’s a big part of why I feel so good here,” Fournier said. “Orlando and Rob gave me the opportunity to become a starter. I will never forget that. I felt great here. I am really excited to stay.”

The Magic reiterated again it was a top priority to re-sign Fournier once the summer began.

That summer though has brought a chance to the role Fournier will likely fill and how he fits into the team. Gone is Victor Oladipo, whom he had to share shooting guard minutes, and in his place is more size and defensive length. Fournier will be relied on more as a primary offensive option than he has ever been before.

With the team having so few offensive options seemingly, Fournier will be expected to do more. His 20.1 usage rate will likely go up. He will take more than the 11.8 field goal attempts he took last year. His role will continue to expand.

His paycheck expanded and that comes with more expectation to his role. The Magic will rely on Fournier more than ever to create offense for himself. It is not entirely clear he can take that role successfully.

That is part of the investment the Magic have made though. They believe he can.

Fournier is not going to stop or change anything because he happens to have a nicer paycheck coming his way. The first big contract of his career was not the destination for him. It was just a beginning of the work.

“It doesn’t change anything,” Fournier said. “Regardless of the roster, I’m trying to get better as a player. Be more efficient, try to be a little stronger. Of course, my role is going to be growing hopefully. Probably be more of a vocal leader which is a challenge for me with English not being my natural language. Just being focused on giving everything you have every night and I will be in good shape.”

Fournier said he was excited for the moves the Magic made. He said the team is better on paper than it was last year. The confidence in what the team can do is certainly present.

But most of all there is a confidence in himself that pervades.

Next: Jeff Green brings experience to the table for Orlando Magic

Fournier appears to just be getting started and is readying for whatever comes next.