Evan Fournier believes leaving the NBA for Olympiacos was the right decision, with the French guard admitting that Athens has become his second home after a historic EuroLeague-winning season.
The former NBA player quickly became one of the most important figures in Olympiacos’ championship run, earning Final Four MVP honors after leading the Greek powerhouse to its first EuroLeague title in years.
Fournier: Olympiacos fans accepted me as one of their own
Evan Fournier revealed that he immediately felt a special connection with Olympiacos and its supporters after arriving in Athens. The 33-year-old admitted that turning down the opportunity to join the Greek club would have been a major mistake.
“They accepted me as one of their own, and I would have made a huge mistake if I had not made that move.”
Evan Fournier explains Olympiacos’ mentality before winning EuroLeague title
Olympiacos entered the 2026 Final Four with a different mindset compared to the previous season, when the team fell short in the semifinals. According to Evan Fournier, the squad was focused and prepared for the biggest games of the season.
“The two weeks leading up to the Final Four, the group was calm and determined. Practices were like usual, just a little more intense.”
Despite being named Final Four MVP after the championship victory, Fournier insisted that individual recognition was never his priority.
“I never think about those kinds of things. This year was the first time I wanted to win more for others than for myself.”
“You want to give them that title”: Fournier felt Olympiacos’ expectations
Winning the EuroLeague was about much more than personal success for Fournier. The veteran guard understood the responsibility of delivering a historic moment for the club, its supporters and everyone around the organization.
“You feel how important it is for the fans, the coach, the owners… You want to give them that title.”
However, the celebrations did not make the following weeks easier. Olympiacos immediately had to switch focus toward the Greek Basket League playoffs and a final against Panathinaikos.
Fournier admitted that finding motivation after reaching the biggest goal of the season was extremely difficult.
“You have the feeling that you have already accomplished something. You are no longer in that mindset of chasing a goal. It was really difficult to get back into it.”
He also praised head coach Georgios Bartzokas for helping the team mentally transition from EuroLeague celebrations back into competition.
“The coach did a great job with the mental preparation. A lot of players were still celebrating, which is normal.”
OFFICIAL: Jean Montero is the new player of Olympiacos 🔴⚪️
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 8, 2026
The club announced his arrival during the presentation of their new jerseys for the upcoming season 🔥 #OlympiacosBC pic.twitter.com/UPPq0YomAY
Fournier describes Olympiacos–Panathinaikos rivalry and unforgettable celebrations
For Fournier, the Greek Basket League final against Panathinaikos represented one of the toughest challenges in European basketball.
“In terms of basketball and atmosphere, I think it is the toughest final in Europe.”
The EuroLeague triumph was also the first major professional title of Fournier’s career, making the moment even more special after years spent competing in the NBA.
“All the noise in my head stopped. It was just pure joy. If I didn’t have the footage, I would remember very little about the game.”
The celebrations continued throughout Athens, creating one of the most memorable moments of Fournier’s career.
“We finished the parade at 8 a.m. There were still 100,000 people outside at 7 a.m. I experienced something exceptional.”
