Former 10th overall pick Jimmer Fredette hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since March of 2016, but he tells Bryan Kalbrosky of HoopsHype that he’s still hoping to receive another shot from an NBA team. And he’s confident that if he gets that shot, he’ll take full advantage of it.
“I want to have another opportunity in the NBA because there is some unfinished business for me there,” Fredette said. “After this season is over, I want another NBA chance. This time, I’ll succeed.
“I feel really good about how I am playing,” he continued. “I know that if I get a chance, I will take advantage of it and be successful and help a team win. I’m excited to see what the future holds. I’m going to finish my contract in China this season and be the best I can be for my team. But after that, I will see what is out there and try to be on a roster for the NBA postseason.”
A highly touted sharpshooter out of BYU, Fredette was drafted in 2011 and subsequently played a total of 235 games for the Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, and Knicks over the next five seasons. He never hit his stride in the NBA, as his strong three-point numbers (.381 career 3PT%) weren’t enough to earn him a consistent role anywhere.
However, Fredette has revitalized his career over the last two seasons in China, putting up gaudy numbers for the Shangai Sharks, including a recent 75-point outburst. The 29-year-old tells Kalbrosky that his confidence is “at an all-time high” and that he’s better than he’s ever been as a basketball player. And as he points out, his skill set would probably fit in well in the modern-day NBA.
“I definitely get that itch when I watch NBA games, I know that I can be out there,” Fredette said. “They’re shooting so many three-pointers and so much of it has to do with space, movement and transition. During half-court sets, they’re looking to space and drive and shoot and that plays into my skill set so well. It’s absolutely my style. I see their offensive systems and everyone can use another shooter, another scorer.”
The Chinese Basketball Association season ends before the NBA season does, so Fredette could have a chance to catch on with a team down the stretch in the spring. If that doesn’t pan out, he figures to explore the market in search of an NBA offer during the 2019 offseason.
Me too!
The Lakers need a 3 pt shooter. Why not give him a run?
Because he can’t guard anybody.
Lakers play defense?
LeBron James plays defense.
Josh Hart plays defense.
Pope plays defense.
Stevenson plays defense.
Javale McGee plays defense.
Rondo plays defense.
Chandler plays defense.
Lakers would expect him to come in and be productive and fit into the Lebron circus – better option would be for him to go to a team that values guard play but doesn’t need someone to step in and go immediately into the rotation (Warriors would be a great fit).
From a pure marketing/PR perspective, it’s simple – UTAH
You can’t leave him on the floor as a non Defender. Non Defenders have to shoot better than 38% from 3.
Pick 10- Jimmer Fredette
Pick 11- Klay Thompson
Kawhi at 15
Vucevic at 16
Mirotic at 23
How many drafts did the Sacramento Kings screw up?
Jerry West
Tristan Thompson.
Sixers need a bench guard
I agree
One of the most exciting college players ever! He has never had a good chance in NBA. Steve Kerr…Brad Stevens…Houston…someone should give him a fair shake. No bs about defense. Harden doesn’t guard…
He’s played for five teams and you know he probably had the best attitude of anybody out of the 15 players on the roster.
I think he’s been given a fair Shake. He just can’t play in the NBA… he’s not good enough.
If the 76ers are willing to trade Fultz for Korver they should at least give Jimmer a shot before that since he’d cost nothing.
Korver is obviously better just making a point of nothing over fultz.
Only issue is he can’t come over til the end of the season because of his contract in China.
Watched a few of his CBA games. He was unconscious, hitting shots from the bleachers.
Wouldn’t mind seeing him get another shot in the NBA.