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.
The Good and The Bad
| G | MP | FG% | 3P% | eFG% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | TOV | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 32.2 | .459 | .379 | .538 | .867 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 17.8 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2018.
Evan Fournier has clearly shown his ability to score in the NBA. While struggling with efficiency in the 2017 season, he has increased his field goal and 3-point percentage by two percentage points and has decreased his turnovers by .4 per game. All while playing at the same usage rate as the year before.
Fournier has been able to knock down the three with great consistency and drive to the basket when needed. He has proven to be an above average offensive player and has played well this season with fellow “stars” Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic.
While Fournier has become a solid offensive player, on defense, Fournier has been a below average player for his whole career. Fournier had a -2.1 defensive box plus-minus and has never had a season greater than -1.5. Fournier has been one of the worst defenders in the league that received major playing time, as the team had a 109.3 defensive rating with him on the floor. That ranked outside the leagues top 100.
Fournier finished his second year of a five-year, $85-million contract. While he has scored at a great rate, his contract has become a burden on new president Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond.
Weltman and Hammond have little money and opportunity to create a team they want. And while Fournier is certainly valuable, the Magic have little cap flexibility. They will be stuck twiddling their thumbs during free agency this year, in large part due to his bloated contract.
Best Game of 2018
Oct. 27 vs. San Antonio: 25 points, 10/12 FGs, 4/4 3pt, 5 rebounds
Evan Fournier’s best game this year was at the start of the season when the Orlando Magic were rolling and looked like a playoff team.
In the fifth game of the year, Fournier completely took control against the San Antonio Spurs and lead to the Orlando Magic’s complete domination of the playoff team. The Magic looked like the real deal against the Spurs, winning the game 114-87.
The Spurs’ stalwart defense was no match for Fournier’s stellar shooting. He shot 10 for 12 from the field and 4 for 4 from beyond the arc. Fournier simply could not miss, and his early domination in the game created an insurmountable deficient for the Spurs. He finished the game with 25 points in only 27 minutes.
Fournier, normally a one-dimensional scorer, contributed in other areas in this game. He is often criticized for neglecting all aspects of the games besides scoring. He and the team are at its best when he contributes in all areas of the game.
This is exemplary in the Spurs game. He grabbed five rebounds, had two assists and added a steal to his stat line. His defense was also solid, and his early intensity led to the Spurs scoring only 34 points in the first half.
Fournier, who averaged 17.8 points per game, had plenty of fantastic games this past year and has often carried the Magic offense in the early as well as clutch moments. Fournier has often been the go-to player for the Magic at the end of games. And he has had some great games when he has caught fire this past year.
2019 Outlook
It seems Evan Fournier has peaked and there is not much room for improvement in 2019.
Fournier is what he is: A solid, albeit unathletic scorer who struggles on defense. Fournier, if given the minutes he normally gets, should continue to average between 15-20 points per game and around 2-4 assists and rebounds.
This is not bad. But this is not what the Orlando Magic need from their leading scorer or high-usage player. The Magic have asked a lot of Fournier and he has delivered about all he could.
Fournier needs to continue to work on his passing, as the Magic often struggle to move the ball. Fournier sometimes becomes an isolation player and allows the ball to stick to his hands. The Magic need better ball movement next year to be successful. Adding a passing element to his game would greatly help the offense and help the Magic move the ball.
For a real change in his numbers, a trade would be necessary. There were rumors the Magic were shopping Fournier around the deadline. There is little doubt the Magic will test the market again this offseason.
Fournier is well suited to be a third or fourth option on a solid team or a solid role player or sixth man for a contender. This is not new.
If he is traded, he would lose minutes and touches but would be in his optimal role.
Fournier is not a first option, as he is on the Magic. A switch in teams could be beneficial for him to reach his full potential and increasing his effectiveness. But a trade would be hard to accomplish given his bloated contract and a lack of cap space around the league.
Final Grade
Orlando Magic fans are often frustrated with the losing and blame Evan Fournier for the team’s struggles. This is unfair. Fournier is a solid player and played good basketball this past year.
Fournier is not a franchise changing player. This is okay.
Fournier is given unfair expectations every year and receives the brunt of the criticism when the team fails. It is often forgotten that Fournier is just 25 years old. He is continuing to grow and improve as a player.
In an injury-riddled season, Fournier posted his highest points per game while increasing his efficiency. Fournier fought through foot, ankle and MCL issues and posted his best season as a pro. Fournier increased his stats from last year in almost every category while having the same usage.
It was a good year for Fournier. But like so much, the Magic are asking a lot of him.
Fournier has been on the Magic for seemingly forever and his presence on the team is associated with the losing. These are just the unfortunate circumstances, as Fournier had a solid year and was a valuable player for the team.
Fournier has been a veteran leader for the team at only 25. He has largely set a good example for the younger players. He has hustled this year and has shown his desire to win.
Next: 2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Bismack Biyombo
Being part of a losing team for so long is difficult. But Fournier has taken it in stride and has worked to improve his game in the midst of losing.