Best Case Scenario For Jimmer Fredette

By George Middleton
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The San Antonio Spurs signed Jimmer Fredette to a training camp deal. Many people, including myself believe Fredette has a shot at making the Spurs roster. The 26-year old guard has disappointed since being drafted 10th in the 2011 NBA Draft.

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At BYU Fredette took the nation by storm after averaging 28.9 points and 4.3 assists as a senior.

Mar 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jimmer Fredette (32) drives to the basket around Golden State Warriors guard

Leandro Barbosa

(19) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

It appeared Fredette would be a terrific NBA player with unbelievable shooting ability. The worst case was that Fredette would be a good role player, that hasn’t even happened. Last season with New Orleans, he averaged 3.6 points and 1.2 assists in a limited role. He shot an abysmal 19% from three-point range.

In four NBA seasons, Fredette has posted no more than 8 points a game. His best season came as a rookie, when he averaged 7.6 points. In his second season he averaged 7.2 points and shot more efficiently. Fredette shot 42% from three-point range that year. Since his first two seasons, the best stretch has come in 2013-14 with Sacramento. In 41 games with the Kings he connected on 49% threes.

What is the best case for Jimmer Fredette?

Making the Spurs roster is the first step in the revival of his career. If he makes the Spurs, there is a possibility that he logs some backup minutes. He must perform at a high level in the preseason and show the Spurs coaching staff in practices that he can play at a high level.

The problem with Jimmer Fredette is that he isn’t a good defender. He is too slow to stay in front of point guards and at 6″2 he is too small for shooting guards. Playing with the Spurs may be the best thing to happen to Fredette since joining the league. The Spurs are filled with terrific defenders (Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, and Tim Duncan). Not only will the Spurs help cover Fredette’s flaws on defense, they will help get him open looks.

Maybe Fredette can come in an average 15 minutes, making key shots for the Spurs. After all they need someone to replace Marco Belinelli.

Next: Team Statistics the Spurs Must Improve

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