Orlando Magic: Predicting their opening night starting 5
By Luke Duffy
Shooting Guard: Evan Fournier
Fournier gets the nod here for a number of reasons, and it begins with the aforementioned fact he is being paid like this team’s most important player. In some ways he is, since Fournier is able to do things offensively that other guys on this team could only dream of.
Like Payton he divides opinion, but for a different reason. There’s no doubt he’s talented and when he’s in a groove, he’s tough to stop. Indeed this was the case at this summer’s FIBA EuroBasket competition, with Fournier pouring in 25 points, four rebounds and three assists in a great game that France lost to Finland.
But he’s also inconsistent in a Magic uniform, and sometimes makes the wrong decision with ball in hand.
Still, at 24 years old and coming off career highs last year in points (17.2), rebounds (3.1) and assists per game (3.0) he’s a no-brainer to slide into the 2-guard position.
Versatility is a word all teams use and need plenty of in today’s NBA, and Fournier brings a dose of that too. He can play at both the 2 or 3-spots on the floor, depending on the lineup.
Defensively he might not give you a whole lot, but anybody who can get 27.6 percent of their points at the basket while also being a career 37.9 percent 3-point shooter is going to find a home on this anemic Magic offense.