The enduring friendship between Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier has transcended both time and distance. When Vucevic, now a member of the Chicago Bulls, learned that his former teammate and close friend had signed with Olympiacos, he delivered a tongueincheek warning to the Greek club’s fan base.
The playful jab served as yet another testament to the strong bond forged years ago when both players shared the court in the NBA. Despite having gone their separate ways professionally, their friendship remains intact, showing that physical distance has done little to erode their connection.
Fournier recently inked a threeyear deal with Olympiacos, where he hopes to play a pivotal role in keeping the storied club competitive in the coming seasons. Taking to social media platform X, the French guard expressed his excitement at joining what he now considers his new home. He spoke of feeling energized by the challenge ahead and motivated to prove he still possesses the skill and creativity to thrill fans with his playmaking.
The announcement was met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from Olympiacos supporters. Among the wellwishers, however, Vucevic’s response stood out for its humor and candor:
Feel sorry for Olympiacos fans having to watch this douchebag for 3 more seasons.
Vucevic tweeted.
A friendship forged in Orlando
The pair first crossed paths with the Orlando Magic during the 2014 season, remaining with the franchise for six and a half years before being traded. Fournier had arrived in Florida from the Denver Nuggets, while Vucevic was already an established presence in the Magic frontcourt. Their shared time on and off the court fostered a relationship that has endured long after their departures.
In the 202021 season, both players were moved midyear: Fournier landed with the Boston Celtics, and Vucevic was sent to the Chicago Bulls, where he still plays. The Bulls have reportedly explored trade options for the Montenegrin center for the past two years but have yet to finalize a deal.
Fournier’s journey took further turns, including stints with the New York Knicks in 2021 and the Detroit Pistons in February 2024, prior to representing France at the Olympic Games.
While teammates in Orlando, the duo helped guide the Magic to backtoback playoff appearances in 2019 and 2020, though both runs ended quickly-first against Toronto, then Milwaukee.
Vucevic’s European aspirations
Fournier has previously revealed that Vucevic harbors an interest in eventually playing in Europe, with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia emerging as his preferred destination.
Vucevic and I have been talking every day lately… He is from Montenegro, and he is a fan of Red Star. He was asking me a lot of questions about how is my transition here. He loves European basketball as well. We just talk about basketball.
Fournier shared.
Vucevic, who attended high school in California and starred at USC, has never competed professionally in Europe. Should he make the move someday, it would mark his first experience playing on the continent.
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