3 Reasons Why the New York Knicks Should Bench Evan Fournier
By James Ryder
The New York Knicks Should Start Quentin Grimes Over Evan Fournier
In just 16 games and 175 total minutes in the NBA, Quentin Grimes’ impact has been nothing short of spectacular.
Essentially the only thing Evan Fournier has done right this season is making his three-pointers, and yet Grimes is still outplaying him in that respect.
Grimes is shooting an amazing 45.5% from deep on 2.9 attempts per game. He’s made 20 of 44 threes.
He has been on fire of late, shooting 15-34 from behind the arc in his last three appearances including a 27 point and 7 3PM showing vs the Milwaukee Bucks.
Considering Grimes was drafted for his shooting prowess and he is currently thriving, the sample size is very encouraging and there’s reason to believe it will hold up.
Additionally, Grimes has been more efficient from the field overall compared to Fournier, shooting 42.3% while playing great defense.
Fournier can be a liability on defense fairly often, so Grimes getting his hands on some of Fournier’s minutes would provide New York with a more efficient and impactful player on both ends.
For these reasons, and especially since the Knicks will be without Derrick Rose for the next 6-7 weeks, Grimes should be firmly in the rotation not just in Rose’s place but in Fournier’s place as a starter.
The rookie standout isn’t the only player though who will be able to make up for Fournier’s shortcomings. The team will also still have Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks off of the bench to handle, score and shoot the ball.
These three players all play the same role on the team.
Fournier playing alongside them gives him seniority and will allow him to be a focal point, much like he was for many years with the Orlando Magic. He will also see time with two guys that complement his game.
The Knicks bench is already very strong, so giving Fournier more time with the second unit shouldn’t be much of a disruption. In fact, it should be an improvement for the reserves and starters alike.