Charting the Future: What Should the Knicks Do with Evan Fournier?

As the New York Knicks navigate the complexities of the NBA landscape, one question that has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike is the future of Evan Fournier with the team. Fournier, a seasoned shooting guard, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent at times. So, what should the Knicks do with him?

Firstly, it's important to acknowledge Fournier's strengths. He is a proven scorer, with a career average of over 14 points per game. His shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, is a valuable asset in today's three-point centric NBA. He also brings a wealth of experience, having played in high-pressure situations both in the NBA and internationally for France.

However, Fournier's defensive shortcomings cannot be ignored. His defensive rating has been below average for most of his career, and this has often been a point of criticism. The Knicks, under Coach Tom Thibodeau, emphasize a strong defensive identity, and Fournier's struggles on that end of the court can be a liability.

So, what are the Knicks' options? One possibility is to trade Fournier. The Knicks could package him with other assets to acquire a player who fits better with their defensive philosophy. This would also free up more playing time for younger, developing players like Quentin Grimes or Deuce McBride.

Another option is to keep Fournier and work on improving his defense. Thibodeau is known for his ability to develop players defensively, and it's possible that with the right coaching and system, Fournier could become a more balanced player. This would allow the Knicks to continue benefiting from his scoring ability while mitigating his defensive weaknesses.

Lastly, the Knicks could consider adjusting their lineups and strategies to better accommodate Fournier. This could involve pairing him with strong defensive players to cover for his weaknesses, or using him in specific situations where his scoring ability can be maximized, and his defensive shortcomings can be minimized.

The Knicks have several viable options when it comes to Evan Fournier. Whether they choose to trade him, develop his defense, or adjust their strategies to better utilize him, the decision will have significant implications for the team's future. As always, the key will be to make the choice that best aligns with the team's long-term vision and goals. 

The Thibodeaux experiment is over.

The Knicks made history Monday night.

Up by nine points with 44 seconds, left in the game and the Knicks still lost to the Dallas Mavericks

Hilarious!

Can Knicks fans finally publicly state that it's time for the coach to go? If you cannot, you are being completely dishonest to yourselves and each other.

If Dolan doesn't have the guts to hire Mark Jackson, then Ime Udoka needs to get in here and salvage this season.

The Thibodeaux experiment is over.

Luka Dončić is another in a long line of stars who love to come into Madison Square Garden and take a dump on this team. And it's so easy to do.

Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickly and Mitchell Robinson played very well but need a fresh new coach to take their games to the next level.

The benching of Cam Reddish through this four game losing streak is reprehensible. Fans have a right to be dejected as long as this coach has the reins.

Knicks lose again, Dallas 126-Knicks 121.

This could have been a blowout of epic proportions.

It wasn't difficult to predict the outcome of this game after this week's loss to Golden State.

Had it not been for Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes, this would have been a blowout of epic proportions.

Julius Randle and RJ Barrett were exposed again today. They were of zero help to this team on offense and defense.

Two of the Knicks big three were merely spectators and Gatorade tasters in Phoenix this afternoon.

When I was a kid, I read Butch Beard's book on coaching basketball, and one of his cardinal sins was jumping while passing.  Julius Randle obviously has never read the book because he is still making this ridiculous mistake at his age and stage of his career.

I fault his coach for allowing him to continue playing as if he has antigravity shoes. Leaping with no commitment only forces poor shots or turnovers.

RJ Barrett looks down right sluggish. He moves as if he's playing in mud. Has he either checked out mentally, or is exhausted?

Phoenix made sure everyone touched the ball and had 6 players in double digits for a balanced scoring attack. The Knicks, not so much.

On an afternoon when the Knicks most desperately needed scoring, Evan Fournier didn't get a single minute, which tells me he is not long to be in a New York uniform.

Tomorrow night in Oklahoma, there is a fleeting chance that this road trip can be salvaged, but I wouldn't bet money on it.

Knicks lose again, Sun 116 – Knicks 95

It's not bad in MSG, it's really bad

Quentin Grimes set the Knicks rookie record for three point shots in a game with 7. Grimes finished the game leading all Knicks scorers with 27 points.

It was all for naught however because the Knicks got their asses kicked by the Bucks this afternoon as Giannis registered his first triple double of the season.

If the season ended today the Knicks would not be in the playoffs and I have a feeling it'll be the same when the season ends.

It's not bad in MSG, it's really bad and it is not going to get any better.

A younger more forward thinking coach would focus on developing Sims, Grimes, Quickley, Toppin and Barrett. Preparing them either to be the cornerstones of this franchise or solid desirable pieces for superstar trades in the near future.

In order to do that the coach of the year would have to shift his paradigm and I don't think it's going to happen with this old dog.

Knicks lose again, Bucks 112 - 97 Knicks.