How Jimmer Fredette fits with the New Orleans Pelicans
By Jake Hadlock
Mar 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Jimmer Fredette (32) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks point guard Shannon Brown (26) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats New York 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmer has found a new home in New Orleans! Fans like myself who have followed his NBA career have continued to hope for the right fit and situation for the former BYU standout.
Jimmer does not lack in confidence or shooting ability, which we have seen is enough to prolong careers in the NBA. But Jimmer has failed to find a team that is willing to give him consistent minutes and use his best asset for the betterment of the team.
The New Orleans Pelicans seem like a great fit for a few reasons.
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Pippen Ain't Easy
Replacement for Morrow
Anthony Morrow signed with Oklahoma City this week and the Pelicans needed a three-point shooter who can come off the bench and provide instant offense.
Interestingly, the Thunder were considering Jimmer for the same spot in OKC but ultimately decided against it and chose Morrow. While shorter than Morrow, Jimmer should be able to take over that spot.
Low Pressure and Expectations
I think about Al Jefferson in regards to this. Big Al was a solid center for the Utah Jazz but never got any attention because he was playing in Utah. Once he left for Charlotte (which is still a small-market team) everyone started realizing how good he is, and he made the top 10 in MVP voting this past year.
Jimmer has a similar opportunity in New Orleans. He comes in with the veteran’s minimum contract and with very little fanfare because New Orleans doesn’t get much national attention.
New Orleans is kind of like the BYU of NBA teams – one great player, and solid players rounding out the rest. That kind of freedom from expectations should bode well for Jimmer and let him play his game.
Paired up with former teammates
Tyreke Evans and John Salmons (both former Kings) are on this Pelicans roster. They both know what Jimmer can do and from all accounts really liked Fredette.
Evans is a slasher who can get to the rim, which is a perfect pairing with Jimmer, who plays a perimeter game. Salmons should also help take the pressure off Jimmer with his perimeter shooting.
Having an All-Star as a teammate
Apr 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis talks to center Jeff Withey (5) during the fourth quarter of a game at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Brow aka Anthony Davis is an All-Star and is the next superstar of the league. It doesn’t hurt to have him on your team. He is going to make you look better and give you room to create, because he is being double-teamed in the post almost every time down the floor.
Behind him are newly acquired Omer Asik, who is a legit starter in the NBA, and Ryan Anderson, who will be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Having great teammates in the post is going to give the Jimmer opportunities.
Conclusion
I think Jimmer has a great chance to succeed here. BYU fans should temper their expectations because I don’t see Jimmer coming in with major minutes being played, but he should be a solid rotation player who fits the system.
He’s getting another chance, and that’s all that fans can ask for.