2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Evan Fournier

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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks

MILWUAKEE, WI – JANUARY 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 10, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Acquired in 2014, Evan Fournier continues to grow as a steady scoring presence for the Orlando Magic. Even if he is often asked to take on a larger role than preferred.

The Orlando Magic have long been disappointed by European talents. When the Magic traded Arron Afflalo for Evan Fournier, many Magic fans were disappointed. It was rumored, that Arron Afflalo, off a career year where he averaged a career-best 18.2 points per game, would warrant a first-round pick in the 2014 draft or even something a bit more.

Then-general manager Rob Hennigan chose Fournier over the first rounder, which many were critical of at the time. But Fournier quickly proved to be more than the mediocre role player he was with the Denver Nuggets and quickly became a leading scorer, starter and a fixture of the Orlando Magic lineup.

Fournier was drafted 20th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Those in NBA circles loved his offensive and scoring potential. But a talented set of wings including Andre Iguodala, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Corey Brewer blocked his path to playing time.

In his rookie season, he was limited to 11 minutes per game. He flashed his potential as he shot 49.3 percent from the field, 40.3 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 5.3 points per game.

Fournier carved out a bigger role in the Nuggets’ offense in his second year on the team. He averaged 19.8 minutes per game, and while he lost some efficiency from year one, Fournier increased is points per game to 8.4.

Afflalo, at 28 years old, was still in his prime when the Magic traded him. This led many to question why the Magic got such a minimal haul. Yes, Fournier had flashed some talent on the Nuggets, but trading Afflalo in his prime for a question mark in Fournier raised eyebrows at Hennigan’s decision making.

In his short tenure with the Magic, Hennigan, a first-time general manager, struggled mightily and failed to make meaningful moves to improve the team. Rob Hennigan failed to receive a significant return on Dwight Howard trade, traded potential franchise cornerstone in Victor Oladipo and a high first rounder for an aging Serge Ibaka and wasted a plethora of top-end first rounders.

The Fournier deal was the highlight of Hennigan’s tenure, as it was the one deal the Magic clearly won.

Afflalo quickly declined after his career year for the Magic, proving he was a solid role player but not a cornerstone. Fournier, in the absence of scorers on the Magic, was able to shine due to minimal competition for shots and minutes.

He increased his scoring from 8.4 points per game with the Nuggets in the 2014 season to a career-high 17.8 points per game this past season. Fournier has become one of the top scorers for the team over the past few years and a leader of the team.

Still, those poor management decisions loom over him. Especially now that Oladipo has broken out and Fournier signed his new deal that same summer Hennigan shipped out Oladipo.

Fournier has kept plugging along with a solid slew of offensive numbers and performances.