Orlando Magic: Week One Thoughts
By Luke Duffy
Why Is Evan Fournier Starting?
Some fans clamored for Fournier to see more minutes last season off the bench as an offensive spark. While that didn’t happen, few could have predicted that he’d start the first two games of this season either.
While his scoring punch has been nice for a team that needed it (the Magic rank sixth in points per game right now, 111.5 per game, which is great for a team that finished 25th in the same category last season. Fournier has been a part of that) he’s been a liability defensively.
Asked if he or the @OrlandoMagic did anything for @EvanFourmizz B-day Scott Skiles said: "Not until he makes a shot." Evan was 1 of 7 on Wed
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) October 30, 2015
He’s 2-for-11 on three-pointers to start the season, despite the fact this is his biggest strength for this team. He’s also shot 63 percent at the line, which again is a puzzling number when you consider that shooting is what he does best. He’s certainly not lacking in confidence however and will step into a ton of shots, even the ill-advised ones.
Sadly for Fournier though it may only be a matter of time before Aaron Gordon replaces him in the starting lineup. He’d be a great option off the bench anyways, ironically likely working best in line-ups that featured a forward who could really space the floor for him like Channing Frye.
Next: Struggles In This Department An Early Concern