2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Evan Fournier

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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Cody Zeller, Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2017 at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Evan Fournier had the focus of being the Orlando Magic’s leading scorer and the criticism that comes with it. The real task is using Fournier the right way.

Narratives in the NBA change very quickly. One season’s breakout player and darling can quickly become the subject of scorn the next year. The guy who seems destined to breakout in a larger role can flounder and take on all the blame. Miscalculations lead to players unable to fulfill their new roles.

The Orlando Magic had numerous miscalculations during their disastrous 29-win 2017 season. The plan to go big with Serge Ibaka did not work. The free agent signing of Bismack Biyombo was an overpay even if Biyombo could deliver the team a defensive transformation.

And then there was Evan Fournier — the other big-money item in that summer of 2016.

He had a breakout season in 2016, averaging 15.4 points per game and shooting a 54.6 percent effective field goal percentage, including 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. No one confused Fournier with a potential All Star, but he more than proved himself as a quality role player and starter. Entering his free agency, the going thought was the Magic could probably afford to pay one of Victor Oladipo or Evan Fournier.

They chose Fournier.

And Fournier delivered in many ways. He averaged a team-best 17.2 points per game. But his much-celebrated efficiency disappeared. Fournier had just a 50.8 percent effective field goal percentage and an icy 35.6 percent shooting mark from beyond the arc. All this came with Fournier posting a career-high 23.5 percent usage rate.

Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

It sometimes felt like he tried too hard to take on the mantle of “star” when he could not write those checks. That may not be the player he was. And he got the full brunt of star criticism.

Fournier has taken a lot of hits in the battle of public perception as he wades further into his five-year, $85-million contract. The way the Magic used him last year certainly is not ideal. He is still developing as a driver and a playmaker. But putting the ball in his hands to create is not going to work. Not for this team with its poor shooting.

The good news is the Magic saw Fournier return to some of his efficiency after the All-Star Break. He averaged 18.0 points per game and shot a 53.2 percent effective field goal percentage after the All-Star Break. He benefited from the Magic’s stylistic and personnel changes as much as anyone.

Orlando may not see Fournier become a star, but he will be a consistent and solid contributor for this team next year. And that is what the Magic need from him. Because that can produce.