Rudy Gobert slams Knicks for 'disrespectful' Evan Fournier's treatment / News - Basketnews.com

Rudy Gobert backed his French national teammate Evan Fournier on cut minutes by the New York Knicks, claiming it's disrespectful.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Rudy Gobert, speaking to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, supported his fellow countryman Evan Fournier by addressing the last season the sharpshooter spent with the New York Knicks, in which he was cut out of the rotation.

Rudy Gobert

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"I think he can contribute and help a lot of teams. I think everybody knows it. But it's kind of weird when you end up on the bench, and you don't really know why," Gobert said about the sharpshooter being unexpectedly cut from the Knicks' rotation.

"Sometimes you can be stuck in a situation - I know he's going to have an opportunity again, and everybody will understand that he can help and win. And do it at a high level. And do it every night," Gobert added.

While the situation has been less than stellar for Fournier last season, in which he averaged just 6.1 points per game on 30% 3-point shooting, things have been looking up for the French guard.

Lastly, he has gotten decent minutes in the Knicks' preseason games, playing 21 minutes against the Boston Celtics and 19 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“It’s unfortunate that it feels disrespectful. When things go that way, and communication is not where he’d like it to be with his coach. But I think it’s better now - hopefully,” said Gobert, reflecting on his countryman's increased preseason minutes.

Regardless of Fournier's increased game time, the coach of the New York Knicks, Tom Thibodeau, had spoken harshly towards the player on October 2, stating that keeping Fournier on the court weighed down on their defense, a claim which he backed with data.

Evan Fournier remains on the roster of the New York Knicks, which will begin its NBA season on October 26 against the Boston Celtics.

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