Evan Fournier
Age: 23
Height: 6-foot-7
Career stats: 24.5 mpg; 11.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.8 spg, 0 bpg; 44.8/38.9/78.4 shooting splits
2015-16 stats: 79 games, 32.5 mpg; 15.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.2 spg, 0 bpg; 46.2/40.0/83.6 shooting splits
Strengths:
• Scoring versatility
• Ball handling and initiating the offense
• Consistent improvement every year
Weaknesses:
• Defense
• Athleticism
• Durability
Why he makes sense for the Warriors:
Evan Fournier is an underrated great fit for a Warriors team looking for legitimate bench scoring, and as always—wing size and versatility. Fournier would slot right into the 6th or 7th man off the bench role, and his multi-faceted offensive skills instantly improve the Warriors’ bench and depth. Klay has never been backed up by a real shooting guard and the Warriors lack a true bench shooter outside of the mercurial game of Mareese Speights. Not only could Fournier provide a bigger scoring boost from the perimeter, but would also have no issues handling the ball, playmaking, and running the offense for spells. Fournier has tangibly improved every singe year of his career and shows no indication of stopping. Crucially, the Warriors could likely afford him as well without a significant cap hit.
Why he doesn’t make sense for the Warriors:
However, there’s always the chance that Fournier leverages his career-best year into a sizable contract. The Warriors would have to pay some significant money to land him, but that’s the case for most free agents this year with the rising cap. Fournier has also dealt with some injuries in his career, and after the Warriors’ injury-plagued playoff run, injuries need to be a top consideration for them. But Fournier sure makes a lot more sense than he doesn’t.