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Knicks News: Rudy Gobert defends Evan Fournier, Julius Randle sneaker deal

By Jordanna Clark

Oct 14, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) brings the ball up court against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Shake Milton (18) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) brings the ball up court against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Shake Milton (18) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Timberwolves were in town on Saturday, and New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier played his second straight preseason game and got to see his good friend Rudy Gobert. The two spent a good chunk of the summer together during the FIBA World Cup, where France failed to medal.

Unsurprisingly, the Minnesota center advocated for Fournier, who has been out of New York’s rotation for nearly a calendar year.

"“He’s the best shooter on the team. He’s the best shooter on the Knicks,” Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves center and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, told The Post. “In terms of pure 3-point shooting, I think he’s the best.”"

Fournier combined for 26 points in two preseason games, shooting 6-of-13 from three. He made frustrated comments over the summer about his uncertain future and reiterated at training camp that he could help his team.

Hopefully, he isn’t feeling too optimistic because with Tom Thibodeau’s tight nine-man rotation, Fournier will most likely continue to be on the outside looking in once the season starts.

More Knicks news

  • Julius Randle left Nike to sign with Skechers. Why? New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield wrote that the All-Star power forward will not only be able to be a partner (subscription required), but he’ll be “the face of Sketchers first true NBA push.”
  • A little over a week is left before the extension deadline, but Immanuel Quickley isn’t worried.
  • Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy is now a senior consultant with the Celtics. The 61-year-old was part of ESPN’s layoffs over the summer.

NBA news

  • Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo made their on-court debut on Sunday in a preseason win over the Lakers. Lillard finished with 14 points (3-of-10) and three assists in his first time in a Milwaukee uniform.
  • Victor Wembanyama made his home preseason debut on Saturday in a 120-104 Spurs win over the Heat. The No. 1 pick posted 23 points (10-of-15), four rebounds, and four assists in 23 minutes.
  • Patrick Beverley named the NBA’s biggest trash talkers: Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, and Russell Westbrook.
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