Knicks’ Evan Fournier airs out his thoughts on NBA Play-In Tournament
The New York Knicks were so close, yet so far from making the play-in tournament. New York finished in 11th place in the Eastern Conference but was six games out of reach of the final spot. Although the tournament would be more entertaining if the Knicks were playing, it’s been fun to watch so far, and Evan Fournier agrees.
The play-in tournament concept was put into action last year, and for those that may not be aware, the seventh-tenth seeds battle for the No. 7 and No. 8 spots in the postseason.
It’s a teaser before the actual playoffs begin and so far, it’s been a great way to cope with the end of the regular season.
With four games already having been played and two more left to play on Friday night, Fournier chimed in on Twitter to express how he feels about the tournament.
Idk what yall think, but installing the play-in was a GREAT idea. Teams out of the 8th place are more engaged at the end of the season, more young players get to experience high intensity games ect. Hope the league keeps that formula
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) April 13, 2022
New York Knicks’ Evan Fournier supports the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Fournier, I’d have to agree with you. The teams that sit at No. 9 and No. 10 towards the end of the regular season have an added fuel to their fire with the tournament.
It may seem like a negative for the teams that finish in No. 7 and No. 8, but they only have to win one game to advance to the playoffs and even if they lose, they have a chance to redeem themselves in a second game.
The Knicks didn’t have to worry about crossing their fingers in hopes of a play-in bid last year with their fourth-place finish in the conference. Hopefully, New York won’t have to worry about that next season, either, but for good reason.
Fournier signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Knicks before 2021-22, but there’s still a chance that he could be traded in the offseason. There are pros and cons to both arguments.
Before signing with New York, the shooter had been to the playoffs for three straight years. He went in 2018-19 and 2019-20 with the Magic and in 2021-22 with the Celtics. Fournier’s averaged 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in the 19 postseason games that he’s played in.
Who knows, maybe we’ll get to see Fournier knocking down 3-point shots next season at this time for the Knicks. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?
