Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls center, recently stirred the pot with his candid remarks about former teammate Evan Fournier, who has signed a three-year deal with Olympiacos in Greece. Known for their strong friendship forged during their time with the Orlando Magic, Vucevic’s playful yet pointed comments highlight the bond they share, even as their careers have taken them in different directions.
Upon hearing the news of Fournier’s move to Olympiacos, Vucevic took to social media to express his feelings, saying, “I feel sorry for the fans, who have to watch that jerk for three more seasons.” This humorous jab not only showcases Vucevic’s light-hearted nature but also underscores the camaraderie that remains between the two players, despite their professional separation.
Fournier’s Transition to Olympiacos
Fournier, a talented guard from France, is looking forward to his new chapter with Olympiacos, a club with a rich history in European basketball. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his excitement about joining the team, stating that he feels energized by the challenge ahead and is eager to demonstrate his playmaking skills to the fans. The response from Olympiacos supporters has been overwhelmingly positive, welcoming Fournier with open arms.
Vucevic’s comments, while playful, reflect a deeper connection that the two players developed during their time together on the court. Their shared experiences with the Orlando Magic, where they played alongside each other for six and a half seasons, laid the foundation for a friendship that has endured beyond their NBA careers.
A Look Back at Their Time Together
Vucevic and Fournier first teamed up in Orlando during the 2014 NBA season. Vucevic had already established himself as a key player for the Magic, while Fournier joined the team after a stint with the Denver Nuggets. Together, they contributed to the Magic’s back-to-back playoff appearances in 2019 and 2020, although both runs ended in the first round against the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively.
In the 2020-21 season, both players were traded mid-year—Fournier to the Boston Celtics and Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls. While Vucevic remains with the Bulls, Fournier’s career has seen him play for the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons before making the leap to Europe.
Vucevic’s Aspirations for European Play
Interestingly, Fournier has revealed that Vucevic has long harbored aspirations to play in Europe, particularly with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. “Vucevic and I have been talking every day lately,” Fournier shared. “He is from Montenegro and is a fan of Red Star. He has been asking me a lot of questions about my transition here. He loves European basketball as well.”
Should Vucevic eventually decide to pursue a career in Europe, it would mark a significant shift in his professional journey, as he has never played outside of the NBA despite his European roots.
The Future for Fournier and Vucevic
As Fournier embarks on this new adventure with Olympiacos, he aims to make a significant impact and help the team remain competitive in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Vucevic continues to be a vital player for the Bulls, with ongoing discussions about potential trades swirling around him.
The dynamic between these two former teammates serves as a reminder of the friendships that can form in the competitive world of professional sports. While they may now be on different paths, their bond remains strong, and Vucevic’s light-hearted comments about Fournier are a testament to the enduring nature of their relationship.
As NBA fans keep an eye on the developments surrounding both players, it will be interesting to see how their careers continue to evolve and whether Vucevic will one day fulfill his desire to play in Europe. For now, fans can appreciate the humor and camaraderie that these two athletes share, even as they navigate their respective journeys in the world of basketball.