Fournier doesn't expect to play a single minute for Knicks anymore / News - Basketnews.com

Fournier said he realized he wouldn't play anymore due to a change in Knicks' philosophy. He says there hasn't been any communication about it from the coaching staff.

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

Evan Fournier has played in just one game for the New York Knicks this season despite being the fourth most expensive player on the roster. The French player says he doesn't expect to play this season anymore.

Free throws this season

77%18,8Points made:18,8Accuracy:76,6%Place in standings:12Record max:29Record min:10Most made FTs:Julius RandleTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

"As long as I'm here, it'll be like that," Fournier said in an interview with Emmanuel Laurin from BasketUSA. "I've known this for a long time. I'm waiting, that's all. I'm waiting to see what happens. Then, I'll try to concentrate on what I have to do, and we will see where that takes me. It's not easy every day, I'm not going to lie, but there you go, it's the job."

Asked whether he expects to appear on the court for the Knicks again, Fournier was certain. "No, not at all," he said.

After competing in 80 Knicks games in the 2021-22 season, Fournier's role diminished in the following season, where the Frenchman appeared in just 27 games. This season, his presence in the Knicks organization is seemingly non-existent.

"There are several factors that come into play, but I haven't had any explanation. I don't need it anyway. This is clearly not basketball-related," Fournier said. "I think it was a decision that was made last year to play younger guys, to change the direction. They stick to it, and that's it."

Fournier earns $18,857,143 this season. His contract with the Knicks includes a team option for the 2024-25 season, but it is not expected to be picked up, knowing the current situation between the two sides.

Besides the 2023 FIBA World Cup last August and September, Fournier has played in just five NBA games in the last 9 months despite being healthy.

"It’s very hard, that’s for sure," Fournier said about the psychological impact. "Some days are harder than others. I try to focus on what I have to do in my day. Day after day. I don't plan. I'm trying to earn my day, as they say. I try to do as much as possible with what I have. Once again, it's not easy, but I have no choice: it's either this or depression."

"I've always practiced hard, so it doesn't fundamentally change how I approach them. But I would say that I still operate a little differently. I do more cardio, I train a little more intensely," the player said about the changes in his daily routine. "I have to do more. Once again, I refuse to waste my time, so I do a lot of things [in practice]."

Asked about what the coaching staff's communication is with him at this moment, Fournier said that it's non-existent.

"It took me a month to understand last year that I wouldn't play no matter what. And since that moment, well, I've known it," he concluded.

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