Former Sacramento Kings guard Jimmer Fredette is attempting an NBA comeback after playing in China the last two seasons.
The Sacramento Kings pulled off a massive three-team trade on draft night 2011 that netted them Jimmer Fredette with the tenth overall pick. Fredette played two and a half seasons with the Kings.
He was never more than a role player. Playing an NBA career high 18.6 minutes per game as a rookie. The former BYU standout last played in the NBA in March 2016.
Stars in China
Fredette spent the last two seasons playing in China and became a bit of a star. He averaged over 36 points per game in each year and regained his deep shooting stroke. Fredette could always light up the lamp, and his range makes him exciting to watch.
NBA comeback?
News broke on June 1 that Fredette is returning stateside to play in The Basketball Tournament. The now 29-year-old is hoping that it leads to an NBA return.
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Return to Sacramento?
Jimmer Fredette dominated in China, but he is nothing more than a role player in the NBA. Fredette can shoot the lights out and score, but he struggles on defense and creating his shot against NBA competition. That likely did not change. Could he be a bench scorer who comes in when the team needs an offensive boost? Sure, but that means averaging 15-20 minutes a night and making near the minimum.
The Kings do not have a fit for Fredette at this time. Sacramento likely has no roster space on the wing for him. Iman Shumpert and Garrett Temple have player options so things could change quickly. Do not expect a reunion, though. Adding in an aging role player to a rebuilding team does not seem like the best use of the Kings resources.
Final thoughts
Former Sacramento Kings lottery selection Jimmer Fredette is attempting an NBA comeback. If Fredette is willing to take less money and a smaller role, he will find a job in the league. Fredette likely puts some people in the stands and continues to shoot well on his 3-pointers. He will not be a starter or primary option, but a solid role player. Best of luck goes out to Jimmer in The Basketball Tournament and on his NBA comeback.
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