Evan Fournier’s Olympic Journey Highlights Complex Knicks Departure

DETROIT, Mich. — Evan Fournier‘s tenure with the New York Knicks officially ended over a year ago when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Fournier, who once set a franchise record for three-pointers made in a single season, battled injuries and inconsistent performance before his exit.

In February 2024, Fournier, along with Quentin Grimes, was traded for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks after losing his starting position to Grimes in the 2022-23 season. He appeared in only 30 games from 2022 until the trade, a significant drop from his previous prominence.

In an interview with a French outlet during the 2023 offseason, Fournier expressed a pressing need to play more if the Knicks aimed to maximize his trade value. He acknowledged the reality of his situation, stating he didn’t foresee a long-term future in New York.

Fournier’s struggles in New York were evident as he fell out of Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau‘s rotation. Concerns about his defensive capabilities and inconsistent shooting led to Grimes being positioned as a more reliable option. Despite arguments that Fournier’s shooting could have bolstered the team’s bench, Thibodeau remained firm in his decision.

Following his trade to the Pistons, Fournier went on to represent France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Expectations were high for the home team, but France faced challenges, starting with a 85-71 loss to Germany in Group B. Fournier was the lone French player to break into double digits that game, scoring 10 points while German players Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder led their team with 26 points each.

Fournier reflected on the game afterward, attributing Germany’s success to better execution and criticizing his team’s lack of fundamental skills, stating, “the best defense is offense.” His comments sparked tension within the French camp, particularly with head coach Vincent Collet.

The day after the loss, Collet addressed Fournier’s remarks, asserting, “No other player on the team felt the same way, and it was a regrettable and unacceptable statement for which he bears responsibility.”

Knick fans understand that defense is not Fournier’s strongest suit, which explains his clash with Thibodeau, known for his defensive-minded coaching style. However, despite his controversial comments in France, Fournier persevered and delivered crucial performances for the national team, helping them secure a silver medal on home soil, albeit falling short against the United States.