It is easy to pinpoint exactly when the 2022-23 NBA season turned around for the New York Knicks. After an embarrassing loss to the Dallas Mavericks on December 3rd, when a 15-point first-half lead turned into a 21-point loss, head coach Tom Thibodeau decided to make some major changes to the rotation.
Veterans Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier, along with Cam Reddish, were removed from the rotation. Guard Deuce McBride was inserted as the team’s rotation was cut to nine players. From that point on, the Knicks were one of the best teams in the NBA.
Their record dropped to 10-13 with the loss to the Mavericks, but they finished the season 47-35, earning the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and winning a playoff series. New York will be looking to build off of that success, but not everyone is happy with their projected roles heading into the season.
Fournier has been vocal about looking like a bench player again this season. He isn’t projected to be in the rotation after the Knicks signed Donte DiVincenzo in free agency, pushing him further down the depth chart.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, New York Knicks, Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The veteran wing doesn’t know why he is out of the rotation and would welcome a change of scenery. He would love a chance to earn his playing time back, but that doesn’t seem like it will be in the cards.
Now, other players in the NBA are giving their opinion about the situation. Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who plays on the France national team with Fournier, took a shot at the Knicks when talking about his countryman.
“I think he can contribute and help a lot of teams,” Gobert added. “I think everybody knows it. But it’s kind of weird when you end up on the bench and you don’t really know why. Sometimes you can be stuck in a situation — I know he’s going to have an opportunity again, and everybody will understand that he can help and win. And do it at a high level. And do it every night.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, New York Knicks, Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Fournier can certainly help a team in a specific role. In his first season with the Knicks, he set the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season. But, his skill set doesn’t fit what New York is currently looking for on the wing.
It is easy to see why Fournier remains in a reserve role as the team’s performance took off when he was one of the players removed from the rotation. Thibodeau was right to ride that wave of momentum and is looking to do so again this season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, New York Knicks, Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
His contract is also a major bargaining chip for the Knicks. If they are going to swing a blockbuster trade for a star player, Fournier will be involved in the deal to help match salary. With a team-option for the 2024-25 season on his contract, he is essentially on an expiring deal.
