Evan Fournier Proving to Be a Steal for Orlando Magic
At the time, it didn't seem like the Orlando Magic were getting anything exciting in return when they traded Arron Afflalo.
Evan Fournier, who Orlando got back, didn't have much to show for his two years with the Denver Nuggets—which is why it's surprising to see him take off as a 17-point-per-game scorer early on.
He did occasionally blow up last season—Fournier went for at least 23 points four times from February 18 on. Maybe we should have seen this coming.
Through eight games in 2014-15, Fournier has taken full advantage of the opportunity created when Victor Oladipo got hurt just prior to the opener.
He's officially started the year on fire, having made 17 of his first 33 three-point attempts. Fournier's 51.5 percent three-point mark will eventually come down, but the hot shooting isn't necessarily a fluke.
He made 89 threes last season at a respectable 37.6 percent clip after shooting it 40.7 percent as a rookie in limited minutes.
The current green light he's got in Orlando has clearly been great for his offensive confidence. On 12.1 shots a game playing 33.5 minutes in each, Fournier has been able to find and sustain a nice shooting rhythm.
But the value tied to Fournier goes far beyond just outside shooting. At 6'7" with a handle and crafty playmaking instincts, his versatility can create problems for a defense in the half court.
Coach Jacque Vaughn has even used Fournier as a pick-and-pop facilitator, where he's got a nice feel as a setup man and the willingness to give it up.
Still, what really differentiates Fournier—other than that frightening haircut—is the threat he poses off the dribble, particularly off those ball screens, where he can hit the screener with a pass or weave through traffic for bucket in the lane.
So far this year, he's been getting to the rack at will, and he's been converting. Only six other 2-guards or wings are averaging more points per game off drives.
And though not very strong or athletic, Fournier is just downright sneaky in the paint, where he's got the ability to improvise and convert at some pretty awkward angles. On 39 shots within five feet of the rim, he's shooting a terrific 69.2 percent.
There's also a nice unselfish vibe he gives off despite his scoring prowess. You don't get the feeling he's necessarily hunting for shots out there.
"I just really want to help the team. It doesn't matter if it's scoring, rebounding or passing. It just feels good to be efficient," Fournier told the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins.
You'd like to think he'll remain a major cog in the rotation, even when Oladipo returns from injury. Fournier's versatility should allow him to play both wing positions, while his ability to create and generate offense holds value in a lineup that lacks shooters and scorers.
His numbers will probably come down as his outside stroke cools off and touches decrease, but it seems fairly clear the trade that sent Afflalo to Denver wasn't just a cap move for Orlando.
The Magic really might have gotten away with a steal in Fournier, who'll be making just over $2 million in 2015-16, via ShamSports, assuming the team picks up his option.
He's quickly emerged as an important asset to an organization that needs to stockpile as many as it can. While Magic fans will certainly appreciate what he does in 2014-15, he's just 22 years old. There's still legitimate upside left in Fournier's tank for Orlando's coaching staff to ignite.
Once Oladipo returns, Fournier could be a real pain in opposing teams' butt as a sixth man off the bench. Look for him to embrace that role while continuing to build his NBA image.
All stats courtesy of NBA.com
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