Orlando Magic Starting 5 Breakdown: Evan Fournier
By Luke Duffy
The Reality
Sadly though, Fournier may remain a one-dimensional type player for this team. Why that’s an issue is because he doesn’t do the one thing he excels most at (shooting) well enough to warrant giving him an expanded role on this team.
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Last year he was tied for 44th in three point shooting percentage, despite taking the second most three pointers a night on this team, behind only Channing Frye.
Defensively he’s a liability, while his Player Efficiency Rating of 12.4 was below the league average of 15 last year (through two games this season it’s a disastrous 8.2).
So while it’s not puzzling that he’s starting this season because he brings athleticism, that aforementioned confidence and a scoring boost to a team that ranked 25th in scoring (95.7 ppg) last year, his weaknesses are multiple, and they’re clear to see.
Averaging 2.6 rebounds in 28 minutes isn’t good enough either, especially when you consider forward Maurice Harkless was averaging 2.4 in 15 minutes last season. So it’s about showing more effort on the defensive end, while also being smarter about his shot selection when attacking the other team.
These two minor adjustments would be great not only to Fournier, but the Magic as well. In a contract year however, will he make the mini leap in those categories that could make a big difference?
Next: Defensive Effort On The Court Is Encouraging