When will Evan Fournier play an NBA game again?
The question has still arisen since his arrival at the Detroit Pistons.
On the bench for the first two matches following his transfer, the French international has not set foot on the floor since January 18, with his former franchise the New York Knicks.
An eternity for the back, who has been champing at the bit for a year and has been benched by Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks coach.
His departure for Michigan at the trade deadline – the last day of transfers in the NBA – was experienced as a relief for the supporters of the 31-year-old player.
An opinion shared by the main person concerned, who declared himself “really happy to have finally left New York”.
But his future among the red lantern of the Eastern Conference is not yet assured.
At a press conference, his coach Monty Williams remained evasive on the integration of the Frenchman into the Pistons rotation.
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“We’ll see, I remain open-minded on the subject.
We already have a lot of backs.
To tell you that this player is going to play in such a position, in such a role, would be irresponsible,” he explained to the press.
A statement which is not reassuring for the former Big Apple player.
“In recent years, he hasn't played much, for some reason I don't know.
We will see what happens with us,” he added.
In a recent interview, the French international explains that he prefers to believe it.
“Troy
(Editor's note: Weaver, the general manager of the franchise) called me, and told me that I was wanted in Detroit.
They’ve been trying to get me for two years,” he confides.
But he acknowledges that his playing time hasn't yet been a topic of discussion with his coach.
“They didn’t tell me anything
(about my minutes)
.”
According to Evan Fournier 🇫🇷, the Pistons want him:
“Troy [Weaver] called me, and told me I was wanted in Detroit.
They've been trying to get me for 2 years."
Let's see if Monty thinks the same, but let's avoid quick conclusions before he's played please pic.twitter.com/X0RyE5mjf2
— Tom Compayrot (@Tom_Cprt) February 12, 2024
Before concluding: “I don’t know what will happen.
We’ll see, but I’m preparing as if I was going to play tomorrow.”
The buyout option (when both parties terminate the contract by mutual agreement) remains a possibility for Evan Fournier, who could sign with a franchise willing to give him playing time before the end of the regular season .
With a view to preparing as best as possible for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.