Evan Fournier bashes young prospects: 'They are making a big mistake' / News - Basketnews.com

Evan Fournier reiterated the thoughts of Nicolas Batum and Tony Parker, saying that young prospects should be productive in the local leagues before coming to the NBA. Fournier went on a long monologue providing examples for his claims, and later praised Victor Wembanyama.

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Evan Fournier is in his 11th year in the NBA this season. He has been a part of four different teams throughout his career. Additionally, he's won five medals with the French national team.

Evan Fournier

MIN:19.98PTS:6.92 (39.6%)REB:2.08As:1.69ST:0.69BL:0.23TO:1.08GM:13ProfileNBA2022/2023

Recently, there have been some talks with current veterans and former French basketball stars expressing doubt about the current state of the French basketball youth and the career path they choose to take.

Most notably, Nicolas Batum first expressed his thoughts about French prospects making a mistake going to the NBA too soon. Then, Tony Parker agreed with Batum, stating that the NBA Draft has devalued over the years.

When Basket Europe asked Fournier about his colleagues' statements, the New York Knicks guard agreed.

"It's the way we approach basketball in France at the moment among young people. It is also felt by the French youth teams, whether under 18 or under 17. More and more, you have the impression that the French youth teams are a showcase and there is less competing, less desire to win," Fournier told.

"Guys do everything to get drafted, they only think about the NBA. In fact, you have the impression that basketball is less important than the love of basketball, the love of the ball, and of this game," he continued. " We are on a slippery slope in France, which is quite worrying. And of course, since the kids think more and more about it, they leave earlier and earlier, without having really proven themselves in France or in the professional world. It's a big problem, frankly, it's a real big problem."

There are currently four French players in the NBA under the age of 22 withMoussa DiabateandOusmane Diengbeing the two youngest at 20 and 19 years old respectively. Diabate only has one NCAA season under his belt, while Dieng has spent only a single year in Australia playing professional basketball.

Victor Wembanyama

Position:CAge:18Height:223 cmWeight:95 kgBirth place:FranceProfileNewsStatistics

"It's not a question of duration. We all have different trajectories but what is needed is to be productive," Fournier explained. "The NBA has a different view of Europe now. The Europeans were earlier drafted only if they performed well in their leagues. Now they are betting on potential more and more as they do with Americans. The kids are now getting picked higher and higher in the draft when they haven't really proven themselves which wasn't the case before. For me, this is a mistake."

"When you arrive [in such a way], you are unarmed. As you are drafted high, you will play at the beginning. Except that if you don't perform well your first two years and you don't show enough things, it's gone the third year, and you become a substitute. The fourth year is the same. And from the moment you sign your second contract, your role will be the same as the previous year, and it won't change."

Back during the 2011-12 season, Fournier was the top scorer on the Poitiers Basket 86 team, averaging 14 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. At the age of 19, Nicolas Batum averaged 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in the EuroLeague with SLUC Nancy.

Fournier wanted to take Batum's career choice as an example of how it should be done.

"You have to arrive by being efficient. I often take the example of Nicolas Batum. When Nico hit everything after the Hoop Summit, he was expected to go fifth in all mock drafts. Nico was worried, though, and said that he was not ready, that he was coming out of a season with just 6 or 7 points at Le Mans. He said that he had to continue his learning. In the end, he was drafted 27th when he could have made the Top 5, except that the guy was much more ready. Now we know the career that Nico had."

"For me, it's inconceivable to get drafted and try to make your mark in the NBA when you're not even a dominant player in your team in France. It's just not possible. If you can't do it at any point, the NBA isn't for you, that's it," the veteran player said. "Maybe you'll get there later when you're 23-24 after making your mark in Europe but right now, frankly, it's not a good idea because that's how you beat yourself up."

Victor Wembanyama is currently the biggest prospect in the basketball world, both literally and figuratively. Possessing the skills and shooting touch of a guard being 2.21-meter tall, Wembanyama is the undisputed no. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Talking about him, Fournier was in awe of the player's talent.

"Obviously, his game is impressive but what strikes me the most about Victor is his behavior in relation to all that, how he positions himself," Fournier told. "He is sure of himself, sure of his strength. He knows where he wants to go. Really, the kid, he's really a square. And it's really rare. He is very wise for his age. I'm really looking forward to rubbing shoulders with him in the France team, seeing how he behaves, discovering the guy a little, and seeing his debut in the NBA."

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