"I am bound to be excited."
Evan Fournier all smiles and delighted to join the Celtics who answered
beIN SPORTS
questions
this Friday, the day after the announcement of his trade.
After more than six years in the colors of Orlando, the 28-year-old French international is sent to Boston.
“It's a new challenge which is really exciting.
This is great news.
The management of the Magic wanted to start from scratch (the Florida club also separated from Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic on Thursday, editor's note).
I'm leaving for Boston.
The first reactions from the French and American fans were great, I received a lot of support.
I am happy !"
There is something: while the Magic, qualified for the play-offs the last two seasons, sail in the shallows of the Eastern Conference, the C's have ambition.
#NBAextra
☘️ Evan Fournier's first words after his trade in Boston
️ "A very exciting challenge"
️ "The Celtics, a legendary franchise!"
pic.twitter.com/W4wPMYWuhb
- NBAextra (@NBAextra) March 26, 2021
It must be said that Brad Stevens has several very high level elements with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown or Kemba Walker.
Heavy ... on paper.
Although, Boston has disappointed so far: 21 wins and 23 losses on the clock.
Barely enough to point to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings… “It's a legendary franchise!
With the Lakers, it is the most successful club in the history of the NBA (17 coronations, editor's note), notes Evan Fournier.
It is the biggest "fan base" in basketball ... It is something strong!
As a player, you dream about it.
For me, this is great.
It's a team that was in the Conference final last season.
It is true that they have had a little more trouble this year.
Kemba (Walker), for example, was injured at the start of the season. "
What role for the Celtics?
To see how the old Nanterre and Poitiers will be used in Massachusetts.
The subject has not yet been discussed.
In this kind of case, everything goes very quickly.
“I had Austin, the son of General Manager Danny Ainge, and Brad Stephens on the phone.
It was just an introduction, they have practice today (Thursday) and they are preparing for the game tomorrow (this Friday).
We didn't have time to talk about basketball, we didn't have a technical discussion.
It all happens so fast… They're focusing on their game in Milwaukee. ”
It will be next night, 12:30 am French time, at the Bucks.
For Fournier, who took the road to Milwaukee early this Friday, there will quickly be medical tests, the discovery of his new team, his new environment.
"I will have to go on," he sums up.
The only way I could express my gratitude to all of you was to work as hard as I could everyday, become a better a player and make us a better team.
I gave everything I had for 7 years and left it all on the court.
I hope I made you proud.
Thank you Orlando, I will miss y'all.
pic.twitter.com/tjW6AN99Bs
- Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) March 26, 2021
How do you learn this kind of news when you're an NBA player?
“I was on the phone with my wealth manager, Fred (Frédéric Schatzlé, editor's note).
Laura, my wife, came to see me with big eyes saying: "you have to hang up" (smile).
This is how I learned it.
Afterwards, I had my agent (Bouna N'Diaye), there are social networks… ”As a player with a contract ending in a few months, at the end of the current financial year, Evan Fournier however knew well that he could be affected by a departure.
His name has also been associated with the C's in recent days.
He will also wear the number 94 with his new team, as in Denver, he who turned 19.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists so far this season (26 matches), his best career statistics. .
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