Court martial
Judo runs through new knick's veins
Those close to Tom Thibodeau knows he’s all about having tough players — reminiscent of the 1990s Knicks, for which he was an assistant coach.
Apparently, Thibodeau has really got one in Frenchman Evan Fournier, son of world-class judo-competing parents.
Fournier’s father, Francois, is a former World Cup champion, four-time national champion and one of the French national team coaches. His mother, Meriem, also weaved an esteemed judo career.
As a kid, Fournier, the Knicks’ most expensive offseason addition, didn’t just compete in basketball but was on the way to following his father’s footsteps in martial arts.
When the shooting guard was asked what color belt he advanced to, Fournier said he would practice on the sidelines with his father’s teams, but nothing became formalized.
“It wasn’t official,’’ Fournier said at Monday’s media day. “I can kick your ass, though.’’
Thibodeau got a strong recommendation from his friend, Steve Clifford, who coached Fournier in Orlando, as one of the toughest-minded competitors he’d ever coached.
That was enough to sell Thibodeau.
When asked what drives him, Fournier said, “I enjoy winning. I just think it’s just how I was brought up from a fighters’ family. Both of my parents were judo fighters from the national team. So I’ve always been around fighters my whole childhood. A lot of hard workouts, hard practices. Guys throwing up because they’re tired. As a kid, it just kind of stays with you. It’s a part of who I am. I enjoy winning. I enjoy battling, and I enjoy competing.’’
The Post reported this month Knicks GM Scott Perry preferred a stronger run at swingman DeMar DeRozan over Fournier. Thibodeau lobbied hard for Fournier, who replaces the departed Reggie Bullock, heart and soul of last season’s league-leading Knicks defense.
Bullock, a Baltimore product, was also known for his toughness but didn’t know judo.
Julius Randle said it’s “great’’ all the Knicks and coaches are vaccinated and don’t have to deal with Nets-like issues.
“Being available every night is great,’’ Randle said. “And we know we have our guys available, that’s the biggest thing. The fact that we can practice together every day. Regardless, [as long as] guys [don’t] get injured, whatever it is, they’ll be available to play. So I’m excited about it.’’