Perhaps he still needed to dust off his game a little. But the essentials are assured for Evan Fournier.
Shelved by the New York Knicks since the start of the season, the French winger found playing time for the first time after his transfer to Detroit.
A week after his arrival, the French international played 25 minutes, coming off the bench (highest total for a substitute).
Author of 13 points on 4 of 9 shots, Fournier added four rebounds, two steals and an assist to his statistics line.
A completely honest performance despite the ultimately anecdotal defeat of his team against the Los Angeles Lakers (111-125) carried by their usual duo Lebron James - Anthony Davis (25 and 20 points respectively).
The Pistons’ 6th man?
Evan Fournier can be relieved after his coach explained this week that he was not sure of being able to give him playing time in the columns of The Athletic.
“In recent years, he hasn't played much, for some reason I don't know.
We will see what happens with us,” he added at a press conference.
The 31-year-old, captain of the France team, had not stepped on the court since January 18, with his former franchise, the New York Knicks.
Evan Fournier for his debut with the Pistons!
13 POINTS
4 REBOUNDS
1 AST / 2 STL
Detroit loses 111-123 pic.twitter.com/l3yLVD8Xsb
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) February 14, 2024
In a recent interview, the French international explained that he believed he would get some playing time. “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 admits that the number of minutes had not yet been a subject of discussion with his coach.
“They didn’t tell me anything
".
A position of 6th player with playing time would already suit him completely before joining the starting 5.
With, of course, preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games in mind.