By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Evan Fournier addressed Tyler Dorsey’s social media outburst and the intensity of Olympiacos’ rivalry with Panathinaikos during an appearance on Magenta TV’s “Pick n’ Roll” and also explained why he remains unconvinced by the prospect of NBA Europe.
Fournier believes that European basketball needs a better financial model, but questioned whether NBA involvement would preserve the atmosphere that makes it distinctive.
“I think Europe needs a better business model. At the same time, the atmosphere is incredible. If the NBA comes, it will want to change certain things. If you lose that, you will lose the craziness of European basketball. They’ll look at what works best from a business perspective, with teams in attractive cities like London, Manchester and Rome. Personally, I don’t see it.”
The French guard also reflected on his decision to stay with Olympiacos through 2028 and praised head coach Giorgos Bartzokas, while also supporting his teammate, Tyler Dorsey, who is currently out of the team because of comments he made on social media.
The Dorsey case
Dorsey’s public comments while Olympiacos was in Spain caught Fournier by surprise. He believes the matter should have stayed within the team.
“Yes, it was a surprise. Nothing had been said before. It’s certainly not a good idea to say those things on social media. These things should be handled privately. He knows that, for sure. I’m sure he regretted it. I’m not sure what will happen, though. The team needs to move forward and maintain a strong bond. We can’t let anything stop us from moving forward.”
Fournier’s feelings about the rivalry with Panathinaikos have changed since he arrived in Greece. While he values the passion surrounding the games, he believes some of the hostility damages the sport.
Asked whether a truce between the clubs was possible, he admitted he was less optimistic than during his first season.
“Honestly, I don’t think so. In my first year, I thought it was possible. But I saw that what was happening wasn’t very healthy. Players and fans usually follow the leadership. When the leadership shows that it wants to go to war, everyone else follows. I think it’s great that Greece has rivalries like this, but sometimes the boundaries are crossed.”
He pointed to online disputes and the absence of supporters at the Super Cup as examples of what needs to change.
“The battles on social media hurt the product. For example, I was very disappointed that there were no fans in the stands at the Super Cup with Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, PAOK and AEK. Everyone needs to take the first step. I’m not saying they have to love each other, but they should at least tolerate each other.”
That rivalry also affects his plans to spend time with fellow French players in Athens, including former Olympiacos center Moustapha Fall, now at Panathinaikos.
“We’ve spoken with Fall. I’m not sure this is the right time to do it. Maybe in the summer. Right now, it’s red against green. I love them, but during the season, I don’t think it’s the right time. With AEK, though, there’s a truce. I spoke with Thomas Heurtel today.”
Olympiacos as his final stop
Fournier was also asked about reported interest from the San Antonio Spurs before he extended his Olympiacos contract. He said any such discussions would have been handled by his agent.
“I have no idea. My agent handles those things. I told him this would be my last stop. I don’t know whether that report is true.”
His relationship with Bartzokas has helped him feel settled. Fournier praised the coach’s commitment and dismissed concerns about his emotional reactions.
“He genuinely cares. He has a gift. He cares about his players. Coaching is a very stressful job. His reactions aren’t a problem. The coach makes the decisions. He loves the team and Olympiacos. He’s excellent, honestly. We have a connection. I’m happy.”
The involvement of owners Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos has also stood out, particularly compared with his NBA experiences.
“In the NBA, you barely have a relationship with the owners. The difference is huge. You see them once or twice a year. I don’t know how it works at other European teams, but here they’re always present. They trust the coach, management and players, and they give us freedom. They’ve invited me to their homes. I went to Giorgos’ house in Mykonos, and I also had a meal with Panagiotis there.”
Looking back on a difficult opening season, Fournier said the team’s belief never disappeared.
“First of all, I started the season with an injury. There are ups and downs during a season. We never lost belief. The important thing is to work together to achieve our goals. In the end, everything finished perfectly.”
Winning the EuroLeague, however, did not compensate for the gold medal that has eluded him with France.
“No, it wasn’t redemption. It was something completely different. It’s a new chapter with Olympiacos. I’m enjoying it.”
Family, perspective and life in Greece
A video message from his father, François, prompted an emotional reflection on his upbringing and career. Fournier recalled how deeply competition was embedded in his family, including a childhood judo defeat.
“My parents were always competitive. When I lost a match, another parent came over to comfort me, but my father said: ‘No, winning matters.’ My parents show that they’re proud of me. My father hadn’t said it to me. Only my mother had.”
He also explained why he considers himself fortunate, despite occasions when he felt misunderstood by coaches.
“Sometimes coaches didn’t understand who I was or my competitive spirit. I was lucky to grow up in this family. They gave me everything. I grew up in Paris, where there’s a lot of competition. For many reasons, I feel very fortunate. As an athlete, you’re always looking ahead and forget what you’ve achieved. You have to make your own luck, but I’m definitely lucky.”
The interview ended on a lighter note: Fournier chose Paros over Mykonos, chicken gyros over pork and profiteroles over galaktoboureko.
“For some reason, everyone in Greece is trying to feed me. That’s something I’ll have to watch towards the end of my career”.
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