7 Former Celtics Boston might have to face in the playoffs
By Tyler Watts
6. Evan Fournier, New York Knicks
The Celtics traded for Fournier at the deadline in 2021. He was a soon-to-be free agent, and Boston was hoping to improve their title chances by adding the 6’7 wing. His stay did not last long as the Celtics were knocked out by the Nets in the first round of the playoffs, and Don’t Google left for New York in a sign-and-trade just five months later.
Fournier played over 33 minutes per game in the playoffs for Boston, but the 30-year-old’s role has diminished this season as he is averaging just 18.0 minutes per game. He is currently outside the rotation, and Fournier has not played in a game since Feb. 13.
That may not mean anything. He would not be the first player to crack the playoff rotation after being on the outside looking in to close the regular season. Head coach Tom Thibodeau will have to change things up at some point, and Fournier could be the player that he turns to.
How the Celtics can face the Knicks in the NBA Playoffs:
The New York Knicks are on pace to finish fifth in the Eastern Conference, so these two squads could only meet in the conference finals. Both would have to win two playoff series before a potential showdown with Boston having homecourt advantage.