Evan Fournier has been a defensive revelation

Evan Fournier has made a name for himself this year with his consistent scoring effort. But Fournier’s defensive evolution could take him to next level.

Evan Fournier’s efficiency, shooting and clutch playmaking is what is getting people’s attention. But it is his defense which is taking him to another level.

For a good two or three seasons now, Fournier has had the reputation of being a consistent and competent NBA player. Not really much more and not really much less. The Orlando Magic miscast him some as a primary creator, but he always worked when the ball rotated to him. He was not going to make a ton of mistakes.

The perception around Fournier is he is a good, if not stellar, outside shooter and a competent playmaker off the dribble. He has an uncanny ability to get to the rim despite lacking obvious pace and power. A lack of speed and athleticism hinder him at the defensive end against wings who tend to be bigger, stronger and more skilled than him a lot of the time, but he finds a way.

What you see is pretty much what you get.

Defensively is where Fournier struggles. That lack of size and strength has often gotten him trouble when he slides to small forward. And his poor lateral quickness leaves him behind against the very best wings the league has to offer.

Although there were some people last season that both wanted and expected Fournier to step up and be “the guy” for the Magic, the truth of the matter is that is not really his game on either end.

Most fans who watched the Magic last season will agree he perhaps tried a little too hard to step into that role. Both he and the Magic suffered as a result.

But through the first 13 games, Fournier is getting national recognition. He is arguably the Magic’s most impressive performer so far.

Most notably, Fournier has vastly improved his shooting, returning to his efficient levels from a few years ago. After shooting a career low of 35.6 percent from three last season, he has transformed that into an astronomical 43.7 percent shooter, weighed down by a shocking 0-for-7 performance in Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns.

His field goal percentage is up to 50.8 percent from 43.9 percent last season too. You could literally go through every stat category and see a significant increase from last year to this. Not surprising given the hot start for the team as a whole.

But it is his defensive contribution which is getting least amount of attention. This is the thing that might just take him to the next level if he can sustain it.

Fournier has never stood out defensively. But this season there has been a visible difference in his defensive intensity.

As mentioned, he lacks the physical tools to match up with many wings. But he has found a way to be effective and a nuisance. By no means is he a lockdown defender to place on opponents biggest threat. He is however much more accomplished at staying attached to his man on drives and around screens.

Statistically, he may not make a positive defensive impact quite yet. But Fournier has hardly been a negative on that end either. The Magic can rely on him to play his role on both ends of the floor.

What has been most evident this season so far, has been how active he has been with his hands. He is becoming a real difference maker in the way he hassles the ball handler and when he helps in the post when digging in on double teams. As soon as big men lower the ball on drives or in the post, Fournier has been excellent at getting his hands on the ball. Leading to fumbles, turnovers, strips and steals.

His career-high five steals against the New York Knicks on Wednesday was a sign of those skills.

Entering Friday’s game, the Magic have a defensive rating of 100.3 with Fournier on the floor. That is compared to 107.1 last season. He ranks 18th in the league in total steals with 18 — a career-best 1.4 per game. Up from 1.0 per game last season. He also ranks 48th in the league in deflections with 2.1 per game, leading the team.

His commitment to creating turnovers is a huge indication of how this team has bought into coach Frank Vogel’s philosophy and how getting out in transition can help this team flourish.

Statistics can only say so much at this stage of the season or at any time when it comes to defense. They are only hints of the impact he is having. But for those that watch the Magic, it is clear Fournier’s performance this season goes beyond the improved shooting many have picked up on.

His continued aggression and activity on defense from the wing (along with Terrence Ross and Jonathon Simmons) are a major reason why the Magic are clearly embracing a new fast pace that is allowing the offense to flourish.

Although the shooting stats and efficiency look great for Fournier, if his defense continues anywhere near its current level, it will be what takes his game to another level.

Next: OMD Roundtable: Fast starts and what's next

At the very least, this defensive emergence for Fournier has made the Magic a significantly better team. It has helped them grow into a Playoff-caliber team.