Evan Fournier reveals unrealistic hopes for Knicks’ 2022-23 season
Not that New York Knicks fans need a reminder, but the 2021-22 season was a disappointment. There’s no denying that, although Evan Fournier believes that New York can be successful in 2022-23 with its current roster.
Fournier was one of the Knicks’ offseason additions last year. While he did break the record for 3-pointers made in a season, his inconsistency was one of New York’s many issues.
There’s been discussion about a potential Fournier trade, but there’s no denying that he’s the Knicks’ current best 3-point shooter. If he were to be involved in a deal, the front office would need to add a player (or two) to the roster who can consistently knock down shots from deep. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Not only is Fournier hoping to remain in New York, but he doesn’t want to lose or gain any teammates, either.
Evan Fournier wants the New York Knicks to have the same roster in 2022-23.
If we lived in a perfect world, Fournier would get his wish because New York wouldn’t have any issues in the first place. After Sunday’s regular-season finale against Toronto, he said:
"“I’m hoping to stay,” said Fournier, who shot 38.9 percent from 3 and averaged 14 points. “But I’m hoping to honestly have the same team and just be able to win. I’ve said we had the right pieces and we have everything to be successful and I believe that. We have to find ourselves. So, when you go through a whole season with guys and coaching staff, you get attached to them and you want to have success with them. You go through tough moments, so I’m not hoping anything changes, to be honest.”"
From a player’s perspective, Fournier’s point makes sense. But it’d be foolish for the front office to not try to make moves to build around RJ Barrett and the team’s young core this summer.
As mentioned, Fournier himself could be leaving the Knicks, which wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. He signed a four-year, $78 million deal with New York last summer, so he’s set to make between $18 and $19 million over the next three years. Fournier’s signing brought a lot of excitement, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype.
On the other hand, if he does stay, he’d benefit from having a true point guard, but that could also be said about every single player on the team. Immanuel Quickley has potential, and he’s already on the roster, so maybe Fournier would like to see more of him on the court.
Tom Thibodeau is expected to be back with New York for a third season, which according to many Knicks fans is a cause for anger in itself. Imagine if the front office decided to keep the exact same roster. Absolute mayhem would break out.
We appreciate the optimism, Fournier, but fans can’t take another year of Thibodeau botching rotations with the same players. If Thibodeau’s job title isn’t going to change, something else is going to have to.
