Alright, hoop heads, buckle up for a wild ride through Evan Fournier’s latest career twist and some juicy insights from Luka Doncic. Let’s dive in!
Fournier Finds Freedom in Europe
After two grueling seasons warming Thibodeauโs bench in New York, Evan Fournier decided it was time for a change. This summer, he shone bright for France, helping them snag a silver medal in the Paris Olympics and averaging 9.8 points per game. But returning to an NBA bench? Nah, not happening.
So, when the Wizards came knocking with a two-year offer, Fournier said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Instead, he packed his bags for Greece, signing with EuroLeague powerhouse Olympiacos. Talk about a plot twist!
NBA vs. EuroLeague: The Scoring Debate
In his first interviews with his new team, Fournier spilled the tea on the differences between scoring in the NBA and Europe. After 14 seasons bouncing around five NBA teams, he’s got some solid insights.
Remember when Luka Doncic said it’s easier to score in the NBA than in Europe? Fournier echoed that sentiment. “In the NBA, there are better defenders on the ball, players who can chase you faster on the perimeter,” he shared with Eurohoops. But in Europe, there’s always a second or third defender ready to contest your shot. It’s like playing tag with a whole squad chasing you down!
Evan Fournier explained why some players say that itโs easier to score in the NBA than in Europe
โ Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet)
Rivalries Heat Up in the EuroLeague
One of Fournierโs new rivals, Mathias Lessort, had some thoughts on the fresh talent joining the league this season. “It’s a challenge for all of us, and weโll have to fight for minutes,” he said. He also gave props to Cedi Osman, calling him a great player who can create, shoot, and defend.
Lessort didn’t stop there. “Olympiacos had a great summer in terms of new players and transfer market work. However, we won the EuroLeague and the Greek League last year, and they took it personally,” he added. Looks like the competition is about to get fierce!
Doncic’s Love Affair with EuroLeague
Luka Doncic has made it clear he finds the EuroLeague more entertaining and challenging in many ways. When asked if he keeps track of the NBA MVP race, he confessed he watches more EuroLeague games. “Not really. I watch some NBA games, but I watch more EuroLeague than NBA,” he told JJ Reddick on The Old Man and The Three.
When diving deeper into the NBA vs. EuroLeague debate, Luka pointed out, “In Europe itโs more team basketball, itโs more tactics basketball, but itโs very different because the court is smaller, the rules are different and you have less time.” And while he admitted that NBA players are generally better and more technical, he still believes scoring is easier in the NBA due to the rules.
So, what do you think? Is Fournier making the right move heading to Europe, or should he have stuck it out in the NBA? Letโs hear your thoughts!
