Grading the Orlando Magic in FIBA play

<p>Evan Fournier was the biggest and most consistent contributor of all the Magic players. He had previous national team experience and an established role with this team. He would be coming off the bench and expected to put up some points and space the floor.</p> <p>The Magic might have him playing a little bit more with the ball in his hands and attacking in pick and rolls, but essentially they might be asking for him to do the same thing.</p> <p>Fournier largely did what he was supposed to, albeit inconsistently.</p> <p>He ended up averaging 6.8 points per game on 57.4 percent effective field goal percentage and 12-for-24 shooting from beyond the arc. That is all solid. He made shots when he was given the opportunity largely and filled his role.</p> <p>It was just not every night. In France’s loss to Spain in the semifinal, he made his only shot and then succumbed to foul trouble before Vince Collet went all in and played his starters for pretty much the entire second half. That was not his game for sure.</p> <p>Fournier had games where he got really hot — 4-for-6 3-point shooting against Israel in the final game of group play and 3-for-4 shooting from deep in the bronze medal game. He also had games where he was non-existent offensively — like the two 3-pointers he air balled against Latvia in the quarterfinals.</p> <p>It seemed at least within this offense, Fournier was still exhibiting the inconsistencies that made up his first three seasons. Then again, he was not asked to do as much. He was more or less relegated to being a spot-up shooter. Fournier can do a lot more.</p> <p>And in the few moments he did do something different, he showed signs he could be effective. On his drives, he was able to get to the basket, he just could not finish. Maybe the pressure of the tournament got to him as he rushed some of his shots near the basket.</p> <p>Fournier has been in the league long enough that it is not much of a concern. He did not show much different at Eurobasket. That does not mean he is not better suited or better prepared for the NBA season.</p>. SG. France. EVAN FOURNIER. C