Tom Thibodeau’s shakeup left Evan Fournier out of the lineup with restricted minutes Friday evening, and the Frenchman — who solely two summers in the past represented the Knicks’ prime free company signing — stated he took the demotion in stride.
“It is what it is. I’m in Year 11. So I know a lot of things can happen,” Fournier stated. “We see it every year. Last year with Kemba Walker [being removed from Thibodeau’s rotation]. So I’m going to do the best with what I have. Try to impact winning and be a good teammate. That’s all you can ask for. Just do my best. Be a pro and take it from there.”
Fournier was changed by Quentin Grimes because the beginning capturing guard for the victory over the Sixers, and his minutes have been lower to only 14 — Fournier’s lowest since becoming a member of the Knicks.
It was additionally the primary time Fournier didn’t begin in his 88 video games with the franchise. The 30-year-old, who has two years and $36.9 million remaining on his contract, was knowledgeable of the transfer to the bench Friday morning.
Fournier’s working by the obligations of his new function.
“That’s what I’m going to have to figure out with a little bit more time. So I can’t tell you right now,” he stated. “Obviously taking part in with completely different gamers. I’ll almost definitely play small ahead now as an alternative of capturing guard. So it’s undoubtedly going to be a number of issues.
“I’m about to find out. I’m thinking I’m going to be on the left side of the floor instead of the right side of the floor. I’m going to be in different spots and I’m going to be against bigger guys.”
The beginning lineup has been a problem since final season for the Knicks, however the addition of Jalen Brunson was bought as a cure-all to the offense and construction. After encouraging indicators within the opening 4 video games, a three-game shedding streak final week and Grimes’ restoration from a foot harm prompted Thibodeau to shift.
Fournier, who was capturing below 40% heading into Saturday towards the Celtics, believes the demotion was extra about uplifting Grimes than the lineup’s points.
“I thought we were doing OK [as a starting group]. The problem wasn’t starting the game at all compared to last year,” Fournier stated. “Honestly I thought we were doing well. [Grimes] is back healthy. I think he wanted to give him an opportunity.”
But Fournier additionally didn’t ask Thibodeau for a proof.
“He doesn’t need to explain himself. He made a decision. We’re a team and have to move forward,” Fournier stated.
The Knicks received Friday however the brand new lineup was hardly efficient. In reality, the Knicks have been outscored by 20 factors in Grimes’ quarter-hour. Thibodeau closed the comeback with Cam Reddish on the wing over Fournier and Grimes.
BRONX LEGEND HONORED
The 76ers unveiled a sculpture Saturday morning of Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes, a product of DeWitt Clinton High School within the Bronx and New York University.
Schayes’ sculpture turned the eighth on the 76ers Legends Walk outdoors of the staff’s coaching facility, becoming a member of Dr. J, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Mo Cheeks, Billy Cunningham, Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer and Bobby Jones.
Schayes performed 14 seasons with the Syracuse Nationals — which moved to Philadelphia and have become the Sixers in 1963 — and made the All-Star staff 12 consecutive years.
He died in 2015 at age 87.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com