NBA Free Agency: 3 best landing spots for Evan Fournier

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns at Amway Center on March 24, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

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NBA free agency destinations for Evan Fournier: 3. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks already have a player with an arguably similar set of skills in Tim Hardaway Jr. Like Fournier, however, Hardaway is a free agent, creating a potential need to find his replacement.

In some ways, Fournier may even be a better fit going forward than Hardaway. The Frenchman is slightly bigger at 6’7″ (Hardaway is only 6’6″). Fournier is also the better ball-handler between the two.

When it comes to scoring, the two had very comparable years last season. Fournier averaged 17.1 points per game, Hardaway averaged 16.6 points per game. Fournier held a slight advantage in field goal percentage (45.7 percent to 44.7 percent) and 3-point field goal percentage (41.3 percent to 39.1 percent). Hardaway had the edge in free throw shooting, 81.6 percent against 78.8 percent from Fournier.

Where Fournier really distinguishes himself is as a passer. He averaged 3.4 assists per game, almost double Hardaway’s paltry 1.8 assists per game. The value of being able to pass may be limited by the presence of Luka Doncic, but Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis are both strong scorers and there’s no harm in having someone pass them open from time to time.

At the end of the day, Hardaway and Fournier are likely filling the same role for the Mavs, who may prefer to keep Hardaway for continuity purposes. If he leaves, however, Fournier is a worthy replacement for their international core.

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