The signing of Evan Fournier has added another dimension to the Knicks‘ offense, writes Zach Braziller of The New York Post. Fournier made a statement with 32 points in his first game with his new team, and although he hasn’t duplicated that, he has put up consistent numbers, averaging 14.9 PPG and shooting 37.5% from three-point range.
Fournier was barely mentioned as a target for New York when free agency began, Braziller notes, as the team was rumored to have more interest in Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan. They both wound up in Chicago, so the Knicks lured Fournier away from Boston on a four-year, $73MM deal.
“I just like his playmaking, I like the shooting,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “One of the things when you go back, we had to close the gap in the 3-point shooting. That was a big thing for us. Two years ago, we were so far behind in that. I think that he and Kemba (Walker) have added the right shot profile to what we’re trying to get accomplished. We still have room to grow in that area. Understanding how we get to those shots is important.”
There’s more from New York:
- Mitchell Robinson is reminding people how valuable he can be when he’s on the court, notes Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post. The Knicks’ disappointing first-round playoff exit last season came without Robinson, who was sidelined with a broken foot. The team believes it has an effective center combination with Robinson and Nerlens Noel, as long as both can stay healthy. “When they play together, I think we’re a handful to deal with,” Thibodeau said.
- While Robinson and Noel have both battled injuries, Taj Gibson has been the team’s most reliable center, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Gibson said cutting sugar from his diet has helped him remain productive at age 36. “No candy. No candy,” he said. “Me and Derrick (Rose) were talking about all the good candy we used to eat back in the day. I can’t eat that stuff anymore because so much inflammation it leads to after a game. Playing real physical, playing against talented big men the way we’ve been playing, I just been taking care of my body.”
- The Knicks are still working to develop team chemistry after bringing in a new starting backcourt, observes Peter Botte of The New York Post. “It’s only going to get better,” Walker said. “We’re still trying to figure each other out. But yeah, as long as we keep communicating, which we are, me and (Julius Randle), us as a team, we’ll continue to grow. That’s what it’s about.”
I don’t think that’s the right contract for Fournier. His defense isn’t the best but like the signing
No, it’s not the right one. His is 4 years for $73M.
Thing is we had to give him an offer he couldn’t refuse, kind like hayward in CHA or gallo in ATL. Not the solution but a solid stop gap and potential salary filler for a future trade.
Big issue is perimeter defense from our guards, too many bad switches leaving an open 3 and other than RJ anyone can take kemba fournier quickley off the dribble from the 3pt line just about every drive. Rose at least puts in effort but he can’t defend all that well either. Expect a 7-5 seed finish, no need to make a desperation trade or signing yet when we just became a competent team last year!
Still think DeRozan was the better choice but like many others he didn’t want to come to NY
He’s the better player, however the Knicks needed the better 3pt shooter and got it for less money. DeRozen is also a 2/3 who likes to manage the ball, very much like Randall. Wonder if that would interfere with Randall and his interest in handling the ball.
CHI has a proper guard in Zo & another 2 ball handlers in ZLV & Vucevic… NYK only has JR handling the ball so I can see a much better fit with NYK than CHI if you looking at ball handlers, but yes of course DMDR is just such a phenomenal & undervalued player, Fournier is just a rotation dude that is why he got paid less!
Rose, Walker, IQ…
All are inferior playmakers than the ones I mentioned, otherwise we could say as well Caruso, Dosunmu, White…
Knicks pursued DeRozen? News to me. His profile is contrary to the FO’s offseason blueprint as they preached it (and they followed what they preached). DeRozen is too old, not cap/flex friendly, not a good wing defender, and not a 3 pt shooter. I guess other than that, he was exactly what they were looking for.
I’d still take DeRozan over Westbrook any day. At least he’s smart enough not to toss up bricks every single game like Russ does for his triple-doubles.
I like DeRozan as a player (not just over Westbrick, who I don’t). DeRozan just didn’t fit the Knicks’ priorities as they set forth, so I doubt they pursued him.
If you take the time to do some research there are numerous stories saying the Knicks were considering DeRozen.
Research? Articles have linked the Knicks (in vague terms like that) with every significant FA or trade prospect. That’s not news, it’s speculation by guys who need to get an article to press. I go by what people in the FO have actually said about their priorities. Maybe you should do some research on that.