The New York Knicks have one open roster spot, and reports are they expect Jimmer Fredette to fill it with a ten-day contract.
The 3 P.M EST NBA trade deadline came and went on February 18th, and the New York Knicks could not make any moves.
The biggest rumor throughout All-Star break was a “very preliminary” three-team trade that would have sent Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Boston Celtics‘ draft picks and possibly former-Knick Timofey Mozgov. Which was quickly squashed by Melo with his no-trade clause saying “I’m not going nowhere“.
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Then there were rumors of the Knicks trying to move Jose Calderon, adding Kyle O’Quinn to the trade, but no teams would bite. Teams knew that New York were desperate to unload Calderon, and rumors are, they came calling about acquiring the rights to Guillermo Hernangómez to do so. Thank goodness the Knicks did not just give up such an asset just to trade Calderon.
With no moves being made on the trade deadline and an open roster spot, New York plan to call up Jimmer Fredette from the NBA Development League, as per Ian Begley of ESPN. The Knicks plan to sign Fredette to a ten-day contract on Monday. Although… interim head coach Kurt Rambis had this to say…
"“Between now and then a lot of things can happen, so I anticipate that that’s what’s going to happen and we’ve just got to try and integrate him and see if we can use him in some way,”“He’s obviously a very good shooter and somebody who can open the floor for us, so we’ll see how he fits in.”"
That is really weird… that Rambis said a lot of things can happen… are the Knicks looking at filling the last roster spot with possibly another player? Maybe see what players get waived first? The Boston Celtics recently waived beloved former-Knick David Lee, but it would not make much sense for Lee’s return New York.
Either way, Rambis knows what Fredette can add to the team BUT also knows his short-comings.
"“He obviously can shoot the basketball; that’s what he’s known for,”“We’ve got to see if he can actually handle the basketball and be able to create shots for himself and create shots for others within the team concept, so it will be an adjustment for him.”“It’s not going to be an easy transition and guys who are in the D-League … at that point in time, they’re not NBA ballplayers. So it’s a different level to make the step up here.”"
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Currently Fredette is averaging 22.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game with the Westchester Knicks. Fredette is knocking down 2.2 three-pointers per game at a 40.4% rate.
Something that New York desperately NEEDS! The Knicks are among the worst three-point shooting teams in the league. New York is sixth-worst at three-pointers made per game (7.2) and conversion rate (33.7%)… per NBA.com.
Recently Fredette scored 35 points the NBA Development League All-Star game, knocking down six three-pointers in the process! That is the kind of outside-shooting the Knicks desperately lacks. Fredette also grabbed six rebounds, and handed out eight assists in the game. Showing that he is not just a shooter but an all-around basketball player.
His performance earned him the MVP award for the NBA Development League All-Star game. After the incredible performance, Fredette felt that he proved he should be given another chance in the NBA per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
"“I feel I’ve definitely proven I can still play and provide something for a team out there,’’“I’ve shown that. And I’m definitely confident if I do get an opportunity, I’ll be able to produce. The D-League has helped me to get better and develop as a basketball player. I hope there’ll be a team that takes notice and gives me a chance.’’"
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Fredette has bounced around the league since becoming the tenth overall selection in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. Most recently, Fredette played for the New Orleans Pelicans to start the season but was waived right before Thanksgiving. Fredette only played 13 minutes in four games for the Pelicans. When Rambis was asked about this, he said that the NBA is on a completely different level physically and wants to see if Fredette can make the transition, as per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
"“You go through these steps to make it in the NBA. It’s a huge league, guys are much bigger, stronger, longer, quicker, faster. It takes a certain kind of person to play at this level. If you’re missing one of those attributes, it can keep you out of the league. Sometimes it takes players a few years to figure out how to adjust to the game. We’ll see if he made those adjustments.’’"
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In 233 NBA games, Fredette has averaged six points per game on 13.5 minutes a night. It remains to be seen, if Fredette can hang in the NBA but the Knicks are on a seven game losing streak… might as well test him out and see what happens.