As the Knicks head into 2023-24 training camp, the biggest question on the roster is Evan Fournier.
The veteran swingman was hoping for a change of scenery, but right now remains a Knick. He recently appeared on French radio station RTL, and said he feels like he’s being held hostage.
“If I knew, for example, that the coach was going to give me 10-15 minutes here and there, I know that I could make the most of it and grab minutes gradually and perform well,” Fournier said. “But that’s not even the case. I don’t have the opportunity to play and even worse, I feel like I’m being held hostage. I hope this situation will resolve itself and I especially hope that the Knicks will give me a chance.”
During his media day press conference on Monday, Tom Thibodeau kept it real on the situation.
“I have great respect for him, and I didn’t go into the season thinking we were going to do the things that we ended up doing,” Thibodeau said. “We did it because we weren’t having success one way. So we adjusted, and then the next group that went in, it’s hard to argue with 37 and 22 [record] and a plus five net rating. So it is what it is, and then your job is to stay ready so whatever it is that we’re asking you to do, go out there and do it. Be part of the team. Put the team first.”
Last season Fournier first fell out of the starting lineup and was given a bench role, then was cut from the rotation entirely.
Without Fournier, the Knicks had a 32-23 record. On the season, they finished 47-35 and won their first playoff series in 10 years against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It looks like this situation will remain unsolved for now, especially since the Knicks signed former Bucks, Kings, and Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo in free agency.
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Featured photo courtesy of the New York Knicks
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