They will be 10 to play in the biggest league in the world this year with more or less major roles in their respective teams. At the dawn of the recovery, we take stock of what we would like to see from our Frenchies this season!
Rudy Gobert: We will logically start with the very high Gobert since it is the most publicized tricolor across the Atlantic. Just arrived at the Minneapolis Wolves, the pivot is starting a new chapter in his career. Associated with Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy will become Wolves’ new defense minister. We imagine that Chris Finch did not ask the newcomer to prepare for a season with an average of 22 points, but to stay in a register similar to that which he had at the Utah Jazz. The offensive sector is indeed already well sheathed on the Minnesota side: KAT, Anthony Edwards and DeAngelo Russel should do the work. But Rudy will still bring some additional solutions when they are out of offensive efficiency. Defense, runs, blocks, rebounds and deterrence, that’s not bad.
Evan Fournier : The captain of the Blues is on the starting line with a spirit of revenge. Even if he comes out of a historic season with the record for the most three points scored in a year with the jersey of the New York Knicks, Fournier left us a little unsatisfied. Certainly capable of blasting a defense by sending mashed potatoes behind the arc, we saw during this Eurobasket that Evan is brilliant when he gets into rhythm with drive and foul provocations. Unfortunately for him, the arrival of a 34th back in the New York workforce (Jaylen Brunson, editor’s note) pushes him a little more towards the bench. Surrounded by ball crunchers, Fournier will have to fight to keep a nice role with the Knicks.
Nicholas Batum: He has been living again since his arrival at the Los Angeles Clippers. In a role of handyman, “Batman” delights his teammates and should continue his good momentum this year with a very solid workforce. The Clip’s have big ambitions this season. They can count on Batum to achieve them.
All the young cracks: For Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot (Phoenix Suns), Killian Hayes (Detroit Pistons), Olivier Sarr (Portland Trailblazers), Ousmane Dieng (OKC), Killian Tillie (Memphis Grizzlies) and Frank Ntilikina (Dallas Mavericks), a season of confirmation awaits them . The youngsters are numerous this year. Almost all of them in rebuilding teams. They will be expected to do what their coach asks and no less. They will certainly not be in the race for the MVP but their future is promising. Do not take your eyes off them, a surprise quickly arrived.
Joel Embiid: Yes yes, he is French (at least we hope so). The Philadelphia monster is arguably in the best shape of its life. Everything is in his sights: MVP, NBA title, World Cup 2023 with the Blues (we hope we said).