Jimmer

Fredette

Fredette spent last season in Greece with Panathinaikos but was a bit underwhelming, averaging 12.9 points. He’s had a ton of success in China before, putting up 37 points per game in his previous three seasons. Now 31 years old, a return to the NBA seems like a long shot.

The 2011 NCAA Player of the Year, former 10th overall pick, and 2016-17 China scoring champ will now give it a go in Greece. He played in six games for the Suns last season, and the journeyman’s signing with Panathinaikos might finally signal the end of his NBA career.

He is not with the team for the final game in Sacramento on Wednesday. Fredette is likely evaluating his options right now, and he may be headed back overseas.

The Suns officially declined Fredette’s team option for the 2019-20 season today, thus clearing the way for Fredette to suit up for the Warriors Summer League squad, and he’ll have the opportunity to make his case for a camp invite there. Fredette is pretty good going up against scrubs in the CBA, but he’s never had much success at the NBA level.

Fredette, playing in front of a crowd that included his college coach (BYU’s Dave Rose), missed his first eight field goal attempts before banking in a floater with just over a minutes to go. He finished 1-of-10 from the field (0-of-5 three-pointers) and 4-of-4 from the foul line on the night. As much fun as the fans had cheering Fredette on, Monday’s performance showed that he isn’t a viable fantasy option.

Fredette, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Suns on Thursday, saw his first action with the opponent being the team (Kings) that selected him in the 2011 NBA Draft. Fredette isn’t a viable fantasy option at this point, but Monday’s game in Utah could be interesting given the fact that he starred at BYU.

He talked about playing his first game at Sacramento, where his NBA career began. Nothing is set in stone, but Fredette did give the impression he’ll have a shot at minutes tonight. Just about all fantasy owners may want to use someone else today, but #TeamJimmer fantasy owners can take a flier on him to see what happens.

Fredette still needs to receive clearance from the CBA, so he won’t be available to play on Thursday against the Pistons, but maybe he’ll be able to wrap up the whole process in time for Saturday’s game in Sacramento (the place he started his NBA career). Fredette was great in college and was ballin’ in China, but he’s never been good in the NBA and we’re not expecting that trend to change.

This is interesting for a couple reasons. First, it’s Jimmer, so that’s fun. Secondly, this could mean Tyler Johnson (knee) may be out for a while, and perhaps this could mean Kelly Oubre could miss more time, too. That said, Fredette is only a stash in super deep leagues.

Jimmer is averaging over 37 points per game in China, while shooting 41.2 percent from downtown. However, he hasn’t given up on his NBA dream. “I want to have another opportunity in the NBA because there is some unfinished business for me there. After this season is over, I want another NBA chance,” said Fredette. “This time, I’ll succeed. I feel really good about how I am playing.”