Boston Celtics: 3 reasons why Cs should re-sign Evan Fournier

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 28: Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on April 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 28: Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on April 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason #3 why the Boston Celtics should resign Evan Fournier: He can lead the second unit

The Celtics have been short on depth for two seasons now, and it’s safe to say Brad Stevens has had enough of it. After falling in the conference finals to the Heat due in part to poor center and wing depth, Stevens would have liked more help off the bench than he got the following off-season. Ainge’s failure to find this depth for Stevens cost them wins and played a significant role in the Celtics’ .500 record.

Now Stevens is in charge, and you can bet all you got that he will not come up short the same way Ainge did.

Resigning Evan Fournier gives the Boston Celtics a bench ball handler and facilitator. Although he will likely start, when Jayson Tatum or Marcus Smart step off the floor, Udoka will need somebody to lead his bench rotations. He will need someone to run his plays through, someone who can score and create for others. Udoka will need someone defenses can respect and can draw multiple defender’s eyes.

Fournier has made a living doing just that in the NBA; there’s no reason to change his role now that he is in Boston. Guys like Fournier make everyone around them better, and they make coach’s jobs more manageable with their all-around offensive game. As a former coach, I doubt Stevens lets a player like that go, which is good because the Celtics will need him to make a deep run in the playoffs.