Evan Fournier to Join Olympiacos After NBA Career
In a significant development within the realm of professional basketball, Evan Fournier has formally decided to transition from the NBA to play for Olympiacos, a prominent club in Greece’s top-tier basketball league. This move comes after Fournier’s noteworthy performance in the recent Paris Olympics, where he averaged 9.8 points and 2.2 assists per game, ranking third in scoring on the silver medal-winning French team. Although he demonstrated considerable skill as a shot creator, his shooting efficiency was less than optimal, with a three-point shooting percentage of 32.4% and 36.8% on two-pointers.
Despite a commendable 12-season tenure in the NBA, during which Fournier averaged 13.6 points with a three-point shooting rate of 37.4%, he found it challenging to secure a guaranteed contract for the upcoming season. His recent stints with the New York Knicks, where he struggled to earn playing time under Coach Tom Thibodeau, and subsequently with the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged only 7.2 points per game in 29 appearances, indicated a decline in his NBA appeal.
Following these developments, it was reported by Aris Barkas of EuroHoops and confirmed by Shams Charania of The Athletic that Fournier has accepted Olympiacos’ offer for a three-year contract. The club is in the final stages of completing the paperwork to officially finalize the contract, marking Fournier’s return to European basketball after a decade in the NBA.
Evan Fournier’s career in the NBA was highlighted by notable performances, including a memorable 41-point game against the Boston Celtics in 2022 and significant contributions during his tenure with the Orlando Magic. Nevertheless, as he embarks on this new chapter with Olympiacos, he is expected to thrive in the Euroleague environment, potentially regaining his status as a star player while continuing to compete at a high level on the continent.
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