Finding the right role for Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier has had an up-and-down season as he seeks his NBA identity. Under James Borrego, Fournier has begun to find his place.
It would be understandable if you did not trust Evan Fournier.
The 22-year-old guard is averaging more than 10 points per game for the first time and getting consistent minutes for the first time in his three-year career. He has been up and down all season as he continues to find his way in the NBA.
Yet, James Borrego trusted him late in the third quarter against the Pelicans on Friday. He gave him the ball, spread the floor and let the young guard go to work and make a decision.
The result?
Well, even Fournier admitted it was not the greatest shot (he used more colorful language). But the trust was there to give him the ball. And Fournier wants to make the most of that trust.
“It has to feel good. I have to do a better job with the ball now,” Fournier said. “Obviously, ups and downs. I started very strong. My role has changed. Right now, I’m just trying to play the best way I can so I can help my team win games. I think we feel like we are better than our record says. We are just trying to win games right now.”
Fournier has both taken advantage of and struggled with his opportunity this year. He has continued to both show promise and struggle. He averaged nearly 15.5 points per game through October and November, but has seen his scoring average drop each month so far this season.
That is the inconsistency that has befallen Fournier. As Victor Oladipo came back, his role shrunk a bit and he had to adjust to coming off the bench again. His teammates were not as strong as they once were and Fournier was often left as the primary ball handler and scorer for a dreadful second unit.
Since James Borrego took over, however, Fournier has begun to trend back upward. He is averaging 11.2 points per game on 47.2 percent shooting and 55.4 percent effective field goal percentage. The Magic have a 93.4 defensive rating with Fournier on the floor in that short time period.
These are all small sample sizes, but it is indicative of what the Magic are hoping for from Fournier.
“He’s a very aggressive player,” Fournier said. “He’s a competitive kid. He’s a proud kid. He has shown that every single night. The ball is going to be in his hands. He’s going to playmake, he’s going to get to the rim. He’s going to find open teammates. He’s going to shoot it some. we want him to take open shots. He’s a very good shooter. He’s helping our offense in many many ways right now.”
Fournier has done decently with the ball in his hands, converting 0.74 points per possession in pick and rolls as the ball handler. That is something the Magic want to do more of with him. He has a great knack of dishing the ball back out to the perimeter as he attacks and the defense collapses around him.
When Fournier is at his best, he is able to draw the defense in and finish or dish it out to the perimeter. Then there is his ability to set his feet quickly and drain 3-pointers. Fournier scores a solid 1.04 points per possession on spot-up jump shots. This is where Fournier adds to his value and potential for the Magic.
It is still unclear how Fournier will develop. He may continue to have his ups and downs as a young player in the league. He just has to keep fitting in and finding ways to stand out consistently.
“Keep playing. Know your role. Stick to our principles,” Borrego said of how Fournier can find consistency. “Keep defending. Keep sharing the ball. That’s the message to every single one of our players.”