Victor Wembanyama’s Coach Controls Temper Over Ex-NBA Star’s Disgruntled Statement as France Strives to Bounce Back

Victor Wembanyama and the company have made it to the Qualifying round, and they are set to face Canada on Tuesday. However, the host team didn’t make it past the Preliminary round without a scare. The French national team lost its last group phase matchup against Germany who went on to top Group B. Regardless, led by Wembanyama, the squad has been quite decent defensively even with their two seven-footers. Of course, the defensive end will be the area of improvement ahead of the Quarter Finals, but one player doesn’t agree.

Evan Fournier, the former New York Knick, seems to have adapted to the league’s pace quite religiously. Now, the international competition is much more different from the NBA. The minor changes in rules set it apart from the NBA version. In the modern era, defense is not considered a top priority as it did decades ago. While this is true for the Association, defense is still the ultimate weapon on the international level. Fournier, who’s spent 12 years in the league, wasn’t a fan of France’s game plan.

“I think we lack fundamentals. We have to move on. At times, I think we get it wrong in the way we want to play. And we pay the price for that. These days, the best defense is offense. It’s no longer the game of the 1990s or 2000s where you could defend half-court. Offense is essential, balance on the court, transition game. Especially when you play a team as strong in transition as Germany is.”, said Fournier. On the other hand, head coach, Vincent Collet was not happy with Fournier’s comments at all. In fact, Collet was firm with the fact that the squad needs to put in more effort on the defensive end.

“Evan Fournier is not the group. This is a regrettable and unacceptable statement for which he bears responsibility. I won’t make any further comments, but I think the group is on board.”, said Collet. According to the bracket, France ranked fifth among the eight teams that have qualified for the Olympic playoffs. Could they have done a better job defensively? Yes, but the French were certainly not prepared to face Germany’s physicality in the paint. That being said, what’s next for the French national team?

Victor Wembanyama will be the key focus as always

The 20-year-old has led the national team in points, rebounds, and efficiency. Wemby is also the best shooter on the team, draining over 43% from deep. Looking at the Quarter-Final round, France has one of the toughest opponents out of all. It won’t be so easy to get past the Canadians, but then again, the French will have to up their defensive standards, especially against the Canadians. While Victor Wembanyama can only provide much, guys like Batum and Fournier will have to keep up with the consistency on the offensive end.

It will be interesting to see the French take on the Canadians in a densely competitive lower bracket. Also, the path forward won’t be easy, as the winner will take on as many would expect, Dennis Schroder the Germans in the Semi-Finals. What are your thoughts on Fournier’s comments? Do you think their offensive game is more accountable for wins? Let us know in the comments.

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