Evan Fournier, a seasoned guard for the New York Knicks, is clearly frustrated, yet he is doing his utmost to maintain composure during what is arguably the most challenging phase of his 11-year NBA career.
“In all honesty – it may sound like a long shot – but I genuinely believe I can make a valuable contribution to the team,” Fournier conveyed to reporters after Saturday’s practice at the Knicks’ training camp in Charleston, South Carolina.
“I’m a capable player. I can certainly contribute. Moreover, I can bring elements to this team that it currently lacks. I maintain hope for the opportunity to prove myself.”
Despite Fournier’s hopes, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau seems to have already reached a decision.
“I hold a deep respect for [Fournier], and at the start of the season, we didn’t anticipate taking the course we ultimately did,” Thibodeau shared with reporters during Knicks media day. “We made adjustments because our initial approach wasn’t yielding success. Subsequently, the group that took over achieved a 37-22 record with a plus-five net rating.”
This statement served as a disheartening confirmation of Fournier’s current standing.
Evan Fournier’s Approach to Training Camp Fournier is diligently approaching the offseason as though he’s still in contention, vigorously competing for a spot in the rotation. In reality, he finds himself fighting for his NBA career.
“I might be viewed as unconventional,” Fournier acknowledged. “I understand that Thibs may have already made up his mind, but my objective is to compel him to reconsider playing me.”
“I intend to treat each practice and every opportunity as if it were my last game. We’ll see where it goes from here. That’s my mindset.”
Evan Fournier on being out of the #Knicks rotation: “To be honest — I might be dreaming — but to me, I can help the team. I’m a good player. I can fucking play. I can bring stuff that this team doesn’t have, too. I have hope to play.” pic.twitter.com/cXa9RgccW2
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) October 7, 2023
During the offseason, the Knicks were unable to find any takers for Fournier. Offloading him would have required attaching a draft pick, an impractical move. Despite appearing as a $18.8 million financial burden, the Knicks view his contract (with a $19 million team option after this season) as valuable in potential star player trades.
Derrick Rose’s Perspective on Tom Thibodeau’s Training Camp Derrick Rose, who joined the Memphis Grizzlies after being waived by the Knicks, was asked about his initial experience during Grizzlies’ practice compared to his previous teams.
“Yes, it’s different,” Rose told reporters during the team’s Media Day. “In the last two years, I had [Tom Thibodeau].”
“So, when comparing this to Thibs, it’s, I mean, it’s run differently. I’ll just leave it at that,” Rose remarked. “It’s just a different approach. Here, it’s smoother and more fluid, with players really getting their work in. That’s not to say people in New York weren’t [doing that], but I appreciate the cohesion within this group. They don’t need to make significant adjustments because they’ve been together for a while.”
Rose has played under Thibodeau in three different cities – Chicago, Minnesota, and New York. However, their relationship soured last season when the former MVP was removed from the rotation, surprising the veteran point guard who had entered the season in his best shape since his rookie year, largely due to Thibodeau’s guidance.
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