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Orlando Magic Starting 5 Breakdown: Evan Fournier

By Luke Duffy

Dec 13, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict

I was surprised to see Fournier starting for this team, especially when you consider his defensive limitations and the fact Scott Skiles preaches working hard on that end of the court. The mentality he brings to this team however, quiet, confident and hard working, is a big plus, and something that won’t show up in the box score night after night.

What does appear however, are the rough shooting nights (Fournier went 1-for-7 and 0-for-3 from three-point range in the opening night loss to the Wizards) and low output in other areas (career averages of 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists).

If the defensive leap isn’t going to come, and really it doesn’t look like it will anytime soon, then being a better and more varied scorer is a must for Fournier. He needs to get to the line more than the 2.5 times he did last season, while also feeding off of Payton, who continues to improve as a passer.

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With the likes of Oladipo and Payton, it is possible to hide Fournier defensively from time to time as well. Really though, there will be no surprises from this guy this season.

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