For Jimmer Fredette, his 2010-2011 senior season at BYU was marked by unbelievable range from deep, weaving through defenders in the lane, and immaculate finishes around the rim which all culminated in leading the NCAA in scoring, winning the National Player of the Year and winning the Wooden Award.
However, he has yet to replicate even a shadow of that success at the NBA level since being drafted by the Bucks in 2011. He was immediately traded to the Kings where he had his best season in his first year averaging 18 minutes and scoring 7.6 points with 1.8 assists. Since his rookie season, he played with the Kings for two years, the Bulls at the end of ’14, and the Pelicans last year, and never averaging more than 14 minutes per game anywhere apart from his rookie campaign. This year he began training camp with the Spurs but failed to make the final roster. He then signed with the Pelicans again but was cut by them as well. Being undersized, underutilized, and lacking opportunity has plagued Jimmer at every stop in his NBA career, and has kept him from realizing the potential he flashed at BYU.
Fredette’s luck could be changing though now that he’s turned in two stunning performances after being picked up by the Knick’s D-League affiliate. In his first game, he lead Westchester with 37 points on 12 of 17 shooting and eight assists. His highlights from the game appeared eerily similar to the ones from his days at BYU. He then followed that performance with a near triple-double of 22 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.
GM Steve Mills was in attendance during the second game and the Knicks have yet to fill their 15th roster spot which could certainly have Fredette’s name penciled in. It is no secret that the Knicks have been less than spectacular from behind the arc this season and Fredette could serve as a remedy to their 3-point woes. Additionally, while the Knicks have certainly shown improvement from last season, they are still in the process of rebuilding a winning lineup and at just 26 years old, Jimmer could prove to be an integral part of their future plans. Personally, just the thought of a lineup featuring Jimmer Fredette, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis makes me want to drop to my knees and thank the basketball gods for blessing us with such a beautiful display of offense.
Will Jimmer be able to shake his bust status and make a comeback in New York? Only time will tell. But until then, you can always relive his dazzling, below the rim escapades at BYU with some help from Youtube.
