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2017 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Evan Fournier

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the fourth quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 104-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the fourth quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 104-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Bojan Bogdanovic, Brooklyn Nets
Dec 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) drives past Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

What Could Go Wrong

This is not the same team Fournier played with last year. His role will change. The players around him have changed. And there is a fair question as to whether Fournier did not benefit most from the more prominent players around him.

It is true Fournier was a heavy usage player compared to the other players in the Magic lineup at an otherwise modest 20.1 percent. But Fournier was far more effective with Oladipo on the floor.

Or at least when Fournier was at small forward.

According to 82Games.com, Fournier scored 24.4 points per 48 minutes at small forward compared to 20.6 points per 48 minutes at shooting guard. The Magic’s defense certainly suffered when Fournier played the 3. A move back to shooting guard is likely best for him.

But that means, without another perimeter player to suck the defense in, Fournier could find it difficult to repeat his raw offensive production.

There could very well be some regression to the mean. Especially as defenses turn their focus more toward Fournier on the perimeter without another perimeter scoring option. Fournier will see the opponent’s best defensive player most nights (unless Aaron Gordon has taken a big leap).

That is a lot more pressure for Fournier this year than ever before. He has a lot to prove once again.