Evan Fournier will become Orlando Magic’s x-factor

Evan Fournier proved himself to be one of the Orlando Magic’s most important players through last year’s breakout season. He becomes even more important now

How important is Evan Fournier?

That question is pretty easy to answer. He is very important to the Orlando Magic.

The question remains however, why is he important to the Magic?

Coming from the Arron Afflalo trade back in 2014, Fournier has found his fit with this team. And the team is ready to feature him in a larger role. The deal has worked.

Last season, Fournier averaged 15.4 points and 1.2 steals per game. Along with that, he shot 40.0 percent from 3-point range. Overall, he has shown his worth, and there is plenty left for him to show.

The Magic’s remade roster will allow him to show that.

Last season, Fournier had to fight for minutes with starting shooting guard Victor Oladipo at times. Fournier eventually became the starting small forward, but that is really not his natural position.

Now that Oladipo is gone, Fournier has more minutes to work with at his natural position. His offensive game should increase, which will be beneficial to a defensive-minded Orlando squad.

Maximizing that offensive ability will be the biggest priority for the Magic this coming season.

The Magic will need Fournier’s shooting specifically, considering this lineup. Last season, he shot 46.2 percent from the field and 83.6 percent from the foul line. He was one of nine players to shoot 45-40-80 last season, according to Basketball-Reference.

That efficiency will be even more important considering he is most likely pairing with Elfrid Payton in the backcourt.

Even though Payton is a solid player in his own respects, shooting is not his thing. Fournier will be a great mix for the backcourt and the team in general. The Magic need to improve their shooting and Fournier has proven himself as an efficient and effective outside shooter.

That makes Fournier important for another point of the game. Another area he proved himself during his breakout season last year.

Every team needs a go-to guy in the last minutes of a tight game. Fournier is just that type of guy. It is what he lives for. And his play last year would signal he is the player who deserves the ball at crunch time.

He can drive down the lane for a quick two, or sink a three. So his options are open to say the least. Look at this game winner he had against the Timberwolves.

In the final minute of games with the scoring margin within five points, Fournier averaged 27.8 points per 36 minutes. He made every free throw in this situation. Fournier was a player the Magic could rely on late in games and he delivered multiple times, just like that game against the Timberwolves.

But scoring is not the only reason why he is important to Orlando. His defense is actually decent as well and will be critical to the team’s identity this year.

Fournier is quick on his feet, and plays it very smart. Coach Frank Vogel is definitely going to expand that potential into a weapon.

Fournier also is capable of handling the ball whenever it is necessary. When the Magic need another man to bring the ball down the court, or set up a quick play, Fournier can do it. His work ethic and attitude toward the game is impressive too.

It really feels like he wants to be part of the Magic, which is the type of culture Orlando wants on their team. He may well become a team leader now with the commitment the Magic have made to him this summer.

Fournier inked a new contract with the Magic. They showed their faith and belief in him. The Magic made the best decision possible by re-signing him to a five-year, $83-million contract. Even better, Fournier is only 23 years old, so not only will he grow with the Magic, he will grow in the league as a rising star.

There is plenty of importance revolving around Fournier staying with the Magic. Without him, the Magic would be very rough on offense and would not have that x-factor player in close games. Certainly after trading Oladipo this summer, the Magic made Fournier a clear priority in free agency.

With Fournier though, there is a lot more versatility and balance. That is certainly something the Magic are looking for more of.

Next: Frank Vogel ready to begin Orlando Magic experiment

He will provide the offense they need, and will take them closer to their playoff goals.