Evan Fournier's NBA Journey: Which Teams Has the French Star Played For?

When I first saw Evan Fournier step onto an NBA court back in 2012, I remember thinking how rare it was for a French guard to make that leap. Having followed European basketball for years, I’ve always been fascinated by players who bridge continents—not just in skill, but in style and mentality. Fournier’s journey, as it turns out, has been one of steady growth, surprising trades, and moments that make you sit up and take notice. It’s a path that reminds me of that electrifying quote from Philippine volleyball, where an underdog’s straight-set victory over a top team like PLDT left everyone in awe: “Sobrang nakaka-proud para sa’min, especially ako, na nagawa namin ’yung ganung klaseng win again.” That mix of pride and shock resonates deeply with Fournier’s own career—a story of unexpected triumphs and the quiet resilience that defines true professionals.

Fournier’s NBA career began when the Denver Nuggets selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2012 draft. At the time, I was skeptical about how he’d adapt. The Nuggets were a gritty, up-tempo team under George Karl, and Fournier, then just 19, seemed like a project. But he proved me wrong quickly. In his rookie season, he appeared in 38 games, averaging around 5.3 points per game—modest numbers, sure, but you could see the flashes of that smooth shooting and court vision that would become his trademarks. What stood out to me was his fearlessness; he wasn’t just another European prospect hiding in the shadows. He embraced the physicality of the NBA, and by his second year, he’d carved out a role as a reliable scorer off the bench. It’s like that underdog moment I mentioned earlier: sometimes, the most surprising wins come from stepping up when nobody expects it. Fournier did just that, and it set the stage for his next move.

In June 2014, Fournier was traded to the Orlando Magic in a deal that sent Arron Afflalo back to Denver. I’ll admit, I thought this might be a setback—Orlando was in rebuild mode, and it’s easy for players to get lost in those situations. But boy, was I wrong. This is where Fournier truly blossomed. Over six seasons with the Magic, he evolved from a role player into a cornerstone of their offense. By the 2015-16 season, he was starting regularly and putting up solid numbers, like averaging 15.4 points per game. What impressed me most was his consistency; night after night, he’d knock down threes, drive to the rim, and play with a poise that you don’t often see from international guards. I remember watching a game in 2019 where he dropped 30 points against the Celtics, and it felt like one of those “straight sets” moments—a stunning performance that made you proud to be a fan. Fournier wasn’t just filling a stat sheet; he was proving that he belonged among the league’s elite shooters. His time in Orlando, which included a playoff run in 2019, solidified his reputation as a clutch performer, and it’s no exaggeration to say he became one of the most underrated two-guards in the East.

Then came the trade that shook things up: in March 2021, Fournier was dealt to the Boston Celtics. As someone who’s followed his career closely, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, Boston offered a bigger stage and a chance to contend, but on the other, it meant adapting to a new system mid-season. Fournier handled it with typical grace, though his stint was shorter than I’d hoped. In just 16 games with the Celtics, he averaged about 13.0 points, including a memorable 30-point outburst in a playoff game. It’s funny—that quote about the PLDT upset comes to mind again, because here was Fournier, once the underdog, now making waves on a storied franchise. But the NBA is a business, and by the summer of 2021, he was on the move once more, this time to the New York Knicks via a sign-and-trade. I’ve always believed that New York is a make-or-break environment, and Fournier’s first season there was a testament to his resilience. He started strong, averaging a career-high 14.1 points and hitting over 200 three-pointers, but as the Knicks shuffled their roster, his role fluctuated. It’s a reminder that even stars face uncertainty, and Fournier’s ability to stay productive amid the chaos is something I deeply admire.

Looking back, Fournier’s journey through four NBA teams—Denver, Orlando, Boston, and New York—is more than just a list of stops; it’s a narrative of adaptation and quiet excellence. He’s not a flashy superstar, but he’s the kind of player who earns your respect over time. As of the 2022-23 season, he’s tallied over 9,000 career points and 1,200 assists, numbers that might not blow you away but speak to his durability. In my view, what makes his story special is that underdog spirit—the same pride and surprise from that volleyball quote. Whether he’s hitting a game-winner or adjusting to a new city, Fournier embodies the idea that success isn’t always about headlines; it’s about those moments when you defy expectations. As he continues his career, possibly adding more teams to his resume, I’ll be watching, because players like him remind us why we love sports: for the grit, the growth, and the occasional shock that leaves us proud.