With an average of 7 points at 37% shooting, Evan Fournier didn't necessarily shine with the Pistons at the end of last season, but compared to his previous months with the Knicks, he at least played.
However, the Frenchman will remember more the fact that in 29 appearances with the Michigan team, it won… six times. In total: 23 defeats, almost half of which were by a difference of 15 points or more.
We understand better when the tricolor, interviewed by Eurohoopsspeaks of ” last two seasons clearly frustrating ” Between no longer playing for Tom Thibodeau in New York, not getting the requested trade and ending up in collective chaos in Detroit.
“ When the business side takes over, that's when it gets tough. I'm a real competitor, I was born into a family of fighters, both my parents did judo. And for me, the essence of competition is the most important thing. “, recalls Evan Fournier.
Deprived of this spirit during his last weeks on the stage of the Major League, he believes that ” One of the dark sides of the NBA is when teams lose on purpose to get top draft picks. “. The famous “tanking” therefore, which can exist in American closed leagues, where relegation does not exist.
Don't look behind him
“ It’s a reality. My last two months in Detroit… The franchise was great, great. But it was a young team that wasn’t necessarily trying to win. At my age, it’s hard to go through that. I knew that wasn’t what I wanted for my career. “, justifies the 31-year-old rear.
The Pistons, who posted the worst record in their history (14 wins – 68 losses) and picked up Ron Holland with their 5th draft pick, were counting on a clean slate anyway: Monty Williams and Troy Weaver were both fired, and the Frenchman was not kept on.
The latter, in addition to an offer from the Bucks that he mentioned, turned his back on a proposal from the Wizards for the same reasons. I want to compete, to play big games, in big atmospheres with intensity. Moving from Detroit to Olympiakos gave me life ” he says.
He who had some great years in Orlando says he put this end to his NBA career ” behind ” him. ” In a way, it gave me the opportunity to come here. I'm not one to look back, I always look forward. ” concludes Evan Fournier.
