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Goals for each key Knicks player in the 2023 FIBA World Cup

By Zachary Bachar

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 08: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks congratulates teammate Jalen Brunson #11 during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 08, 2023 in Miami, Florida. The Heat won the game 109-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,  by downloading and or using this photograph,  User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 08: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks congratulates teammate Jalen Brunson #11 during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 08, 2023 in Miami, Florida. The Heat won the game 109-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,  by downloading and or using this photograph,  User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Evan Fournier of France shoots the ball during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 final match between Spain v France at EuroBasket Arena Berlin on September 18, 2022, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Evan Fournier of France shoots the ball during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 final match between Spain v France at EuroBasket Arena Berlin on September 18, 2022, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) /

Evan Fournier

Fournier is also in an interesting spot, as there’s a fair chance he won’t be on New York’s roster by the start of training camp. After being usurped by Quentin Grimes in the starting lineup at the beginning of last season, he fell out of the rotation entirely.

He was never able to find a consistent shooting rhythm, and his defense was too poor to warrant extended playing time to achieve said rhythm.

With the aforementioned minutes battle at the backup shooting guard position, Fournier has mostly become an afterthought. As he enters the final year of his contract, he’s well-aware that he is a prime candidate to be traded.

If Fournier is looking to be moved to a team where he can carve out a role, one of his goals for the World Cup should be to raise his trade value.

He has a track record of stepping his game up under the international spotlight. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he averaged 18.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while helping lead France to a silver medal.

The possibility of Fournier showcasing his shooting ability on a larger stage could entice some opposing front offices to take a one-year flier on him. It may also convince a team such as the San Antonio Spurs to bring in a veteran who can help acclimate French phenom Victor Wembanyama to the NBA lifestyle.

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