NY Knicks: 3 free agents who compliment RJ Barrett

NY Knicks: Evan Fournier is an underrated fit with the team

Perhaps it’s the stink of being a long-time member of the Orlando Magic, his last-name being a kind of gangrene (don’t google), or the fact that when he was traded to the Boston Celtics at the deadline, neither he nor his team made any noise, but Evan Fournier is a logical free agent fit for the NY Knicks.

The talk around Fournier and how “elite” of a player he is doesn’t seem to get as much attention as other players on the market. Here is Evan Fournier’s 2020-21 side-by-side with Norman Powell’s numbers:

Norman Powell:

• 28 years old
• 18.6 points per game
• 1.9 assists per game
• 47.7% field goal %
• 41.1% 3-point field goal %

Evan Fournier:

• 28 years old
• 17.1 points per game
• 3.4 assists per game
• 45.7% field goal %
• 41.3% 3-point field goal %

Fournier and Powell have different player archetypes and are far from identical, but don’t seem to be far off in terms of impact. Yet the talk around Fournier doesn’t seem to be nearly as positive as Powell. Maybe, that’s a good thing?

Fournier isn’t going to be cheap, but landing him at around 15-18 million per year seems to be realistic.

The shooting is there and always has been. Not just as a catch-and-shooter, but as a player who can create their own shot. For his career, Fournier has always ranked well finishing at the rim, in the mid-range, and from 3.

Where the most pressure is taken off Barrett is with Fournier’s ability to run the pick-and-roll and facilitate. Barrett isn’t that kind of creator… yet.

Fournier’s playmaking ability goes beyond simple reads – Fournier was among the leaders in pick-and-roll ball-handler possessions among forwards. He’s going to draw a lot of attention, and Barrett is going to be able to prey on weaker defenders

Let’s say the NY Knicks bring Derrick Rose back and form a lineup of Rose-Barrett-Fournier-Randle-Robinson. It gives them a ton of size, power, and playmaking up-and-down the lineup. Having 6’6 Barrett and 6’7 Fournier on the wing is a lot of size.

Fournier, Oladipo, and Powell are all potential roster upgrades but all come with risk. Expect this team to be prudent and diligent in their quest to grow on the foundation they set in 2020-21.