Boston Celtics: Why Evan Fournier’s debut was less than ideal

The biggest addition for the Boston Celtics at this year’s deadline was former Orlando Magic guard, Evan Fournier. Fournier was having a great year for the Magic, averaging just under 20 points per game as the team’s second-leading scorer.

After missing the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a false positive on his COVID test, he debuted on Monday against the Pelicans. His Celtics debut left much to be desired.

In his Celtics debut, Fournier saw 33 minutes coming off the bench. With all of the playing time he received, one would think he would have, at the very least, a half-decent game. Highlighted by his defensive ability, Fournier put up a triple “double”…as in two rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

On the offensive end, that’s where his performance was lackluster, to say the least. He finished the night going 0-10 from the field, including going 0-5 from beyond the arc. He also finished the game with three personal fouls. Fournier is the fourth player in the shot clock era to shoot 0-10 or worse in their debut with a team.

Fournier was supposed to be the spark plug off the bench for the Celtics, so far, yes it’s only been one game, but not good. Monday’s 115-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans is the Boston Celtics’ first loss since the trade deadline.

With Jaylen Brown missing the game, there’s no way to tell how his return will affect Fournier’s minutes or shot volume. The shooting woes can’t last forever so it’s expected that he’ll be back in form the next time he suits up in the green and white.

The Celtics continue their stretch of home games, hosting their next six at the Garden. Fournier will look to have a bounce-back game on Wednesday against Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks.

For Danny Ainge’s sake, let’s hope his second game in uniform is–at worst–closer to the ideal than his debut was.