Evan Fournier to Nuggets: Scouting Report, Video Analysis and Highlights

The wave of European players coming to the NBA seems to be at a steady, yet manageable pace, and Evan Fournier will add to the growing list of Euro stars who will make an impact on American-heavy teams.

Fournier, the smooth, young Frenchman from Union Poitiers Basket 86 of the Pro A division, has impressed scouts with his ability to drive the paint and use his 6'7" frame to get where he wants on the court—all at the tender age of 19.

He'll now get the chance to develop and grow in the NBA, where the talent level and athleticism will certainly present a learning curve for the young wing player.

What Fournier Brings

Since he's only 19 years old, the raw talent is what scouts are projecting most for Fournier as as a draft pick. Playing in the toughest French division as a teenager, he was the leading scorer for Poitiers at 14 points per game, while also using his length to contribute on defense and in the rebounding battle.

As a pro, Fournier has the height and length that many successful European players have often lacked when they make the transition to the NBA. While he's drawn comparisons to both Marco Belinelli and Manu Ginobili in different circles, he has a good three inches on both those players.

That height should allow him a smoother transition than many realize. He's already a solid finisher in both the half-court and transition game, but the early report is that he struggles with his jump shot. At 6'7", he'll have the ability to hone his jumper much easier than both Belinelli and Ginobili, who have developed quicker releases to combat taller players.

In regards to stretching the floor, which is ever important in today's game, Fournier has shown the ability to hit and attempt the three-pointer. He averaged more than three attempts per game, but only hit at a 27.7 percent clip this past year, which is certainly a point of emphasis in his developmental process.

What Experts Are Saying

Scouts love his size, ability to create his own shot in both isolation and pick-and-roll situations, finishing at the rim and defensive intensity. He was the highest-rated European prospect in this year's draft class, specifically because his ceiling is so high as a teenager.

Both DraftExpress and NBADraft.net also rave on Fournier's leadership capabilities at a young age and his basketball IQ. He was the go-to guy for the Poitiers for most of his sophomore campaign on the squad, and all reports are that he is a great teammate as well.

There is certainly room for improvement in all areas of his game, including shot selection, passing and being more consistent from the three-point line.

But the general consensus is the same—Fournier will work hard at becoming a better player, and his skill set is enough to warrant a move to the NBA.

Rookie Impact

Since his speed, athleticism and his ability to finish will all come into question during his first season as an American professional, it's hard to tell what kind of impact he'll have.

According to reports from the Nike Hoop Summit in 2011, Fournier showed enough for scouts to believe he can have an impact on the game without scoring, be it in transition or on the defensive end. That is enough to count on, should he get the opportunity to find consistent minutes in the rotation.

Fournier is likely the highest-rated Frenchman since Nic Batum a couple years ago, and he certainly has the tools to be just as explosive and consistent as Batum in Portland.

Pick Analysis

At 6’7”, Evan Fournier is big guard who is good at penetrating to the basket off the dribble. His long-range shot will need work, but with time he can develop a solid perimeter game. Without a dynamic scoring guard on the roster, Fournier will be able to fill a need for the team that did well to make the playoffs last season.