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Boston Celtics: Evan Fournier the X-factor of playoff dreams

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics dribbles as Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the first half at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics dribbles as Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the first half at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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How far the Boston Celtics go in the 2020-21 NBA playoffs will depend on the man they acquired at the NBA Trade Deadline.

While many Celtics fans have almost forgotten about the addition of Evan Fournier due to his lack of time on the court since the trade deadline, he is a capable scorer who can certainly help the team when he is on his game.

In part, the 28-year-old wing has demonstrating that in two games prior to missing the last nine games after contracting COVID-19.  In those games he scored 23 and 17 points, while looking absolutely lethal shooting the ball.

But he was far from that player in his return Friday night.

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In the team’s 109-104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Fournier couldn’t buy a bucket, going 0-for-7 from the field.  But there is no need to worry.  The veteran scorer knows it’s about repetition and simply getting his feet back under him after missing so much time.  The first step in getting back in the flow of the game was simply getting back on the court.

"“That was my plan.  I probably could have waited a few more days or a few more games to feel better, but I just got here, and I need reps to play with the guys to really understand the system offensively and defensively,” Fournier said following the game, as transcribed by NESN.  “So, I only had two days of practice and, for me, the. Most important thing is just being out there.  It’s going to be hard, obviously, but I have to fight through it and push through it because for me that’s the only way I’m going to feel better at some point.”"

In 22 minutes played, Evan Fournier scored just 2 points, but the five assists were encouraging in that he found a way to help the team in another facet of the game while he gets back into the flow of the game.

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While Celtics head coach Brad Stevens has admitted it will take some time for Fournier to get back to where he was prior to COVID-19, he is an X-factor in how deep this team goes in the playoff.

As a player who can give the team 15-20 points off the bench on any given game, Fournier is absolutely that wing player the team has been missing.  When he is healthy and comfortable in the offense, he not only adds depth, but gives the Celtics that scoring punch off the bench.

Add him to the trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and a healthy Kemba Walker come playoff time and the Celtics will be a very dangerous team who can score with anyone.

But, during the final stretch of the season it will be all about getting Fournier, along with Jabari Parker accustomed to Celtics basketball or perhaps they can even help define the team’s identity going into the playoffs.

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At 32-28, the 2020-21 version of the Celtics have been an up-and-down squad greatly impacted by inconsistent play, injuries and the impact of COVID-19.  Hopefully, Evan Fournier can turn back into that player we saw briefly in two games and not continue to be the player who struggles from the floor like he did in his first game with the team and again on Friday night.

If he gets it turned on, not only will Fournier be a factor in the playoffs, he would create a four-headed monster that will make the Boston Celtics a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference no matter who they play.

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