Breaking News: Knicks Sharpshooter, Returns to Europe for a New Chapter
Evan Fournier, a former standout shooter for the New York Knicks, is set to continue his basketball career in Europe after a 12-season stint in the NBA. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Fournier will be joining Olympiacos B.C., one of Greece’s most prestigious basketball clubs. This move marks a significant shift for the French-born player, who was drafted 20th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Fournier’s NBA journey took him through several teams, including the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons. His most productive years came during his time with the Magic, particularly in the 2019-20 season, when he averaged an impressive 18.5 points per game on 46.7% shooting. However, his time in New York is perhaps most notable for the highs and lows he experienced.
In his debut season with the Knicks (2021-22), Fournier set a franchise record by making 241 three-pointers, a feat that highlighted his shooting prowess. Despite this achievement, his role with the team diminished over the following seasons. The emergence of younger backcourt talents like Quentin Grimes and Donte DiVincenzo pushed Fournier out of the starting lineup and eventually onto the bench. His record for most successful three-pointers in a season was surpassed in less than two years by DiVincenzo, who hit 283 in the latest season.
Fournier’s tenure with the Knicks ended when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons alongside Quentin Grimes in a deal that brought Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks to New York. Unfortunately, Fournier struggled to make a significant impact in Detroit, averaging just 6.9 points on 37.3% shooting across 29 games.
Despite these challenges in the NBA, Fournier found success on the international stage. During France’s run to the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, he emerged as the team’s third-leading scorer, trailing only NBA rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and newly-signed Philadelphia 76er Guerschon Yabusele.
Olympiacos B.C., based in Piraeus, Greece, is one of the most successful basketball clubs in European history. The team has a rich legacy, having won multiple Greek League championships and EuroLeague titles. Notable alumni of the club include NBA players Patrick Beverley, Josh Childress, and Roy Tarpley. Fournier’s move to Olympiacos not only signals his return to European basketball but also places him in a position to contribute significantly to a team with a storied history and high expectations.
As Fournier embarks on this new chapter in his career, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a sharpshooter. His presence on the court will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Olympiacos as they continue to compete at the highest levels of European basketball.
JMG
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