The Brooklyn Nets find themselves abroad as they prepare for a Thursday matchup against their conference rivals the Cleveland Cavaliers out in Paris, France.
A change of pace from the typical monotony of NBA life, this cross-continental bout marks the third occasion where the league has expanded their regular season play to the Accor Arena. And while these two teams may currently find themselves across the pond, storylines from their North American lives are still a hot topic of discussion.
At least, that seemed to be the case for Nets star Mikal Bridges.
Taking part in a press conference ahead of their outing against Cleveland, the stud forward was seen discussing the quality of ballers that France has produced over the years, noting that the country has developed "a lot of talent" that has made its way to the NBA.
Bridges would go on to rattle off a couple of examples of French-born players who are currently in the association, and, while doing so, he went on to voice his opinion on how the Nets cross-borough rival, the New York Knicks have treated the likes of veteran wing Evan Fournier over the past two seasons.
Nets star Mikal Bridges questions Knicks over Evan Fournier situation
"[France has] a lot of talent. Ever since I was young I've seen a lot of guys go up [to the NBA]. Even now with [Victor Wembanyama], and you still got [Evan] Fournier in the league and guys like that. I know Fournier don't get that many minutes now but he's, like, ridiculously good at basketball and it's unbelievable that he's not playing."Mikal Bridges on Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier drops 12 of his 32 points in OT and 2OT to lift the @nyknicks in his first game with the team! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JYfX9wkgOp
— NBA (@NBA) October 21, 2021
Fournier, who inked a four-year, $73 million deal with the Knicks during the summer of 2021, has seen a combined 29 games played over the past two seasons, largely due to coaching decisions, despite averaging 14.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals on 38.9 percent shooting from distance and shattering the franchise's record for 3-pointers made in a season all during his debut campaign.
Since being pulled from the rotation, the 31-year-old swingman has been quite vocal about his disdain for his nonexistent role, though has remained an active participant on the sidelines and a reported positive presence within the locker room throughout.
As Bridges' comments may indicate, however, Fournier isn't the only one who is perplexed by his current predicament with the Knicks.