Jimmer Fredette is perhaps the most beloved American player not currently in an NBA roster, as fans have constantly clamored for his return to the league after seeing his exploits in the Chinese Basketball Association and their prayers answered during crossover preseason games that often have him bring the fireworks.
While many NBA talents have gone on to have successful careers overseas, Fredette won't shy away from wanting another crack at the best league in the world.
“I want to have another opportunity in the NBA because there is some unfinished business for me there,” Jimmer Fredette told Bryan Kalbrosky of HoopsHype. “After this season is over, I want another NBA chance. This time, I’ll succeed.
I feel really good about how I am playing. I know that if I get a chance, I will take advantage of it and be successful and help a team win. I’m excited to see what the future holds. I’m going to finish my contract in China this season and be the best I can be for my team. But after that, I will see what is out there and try to be on a roster for the NBA postseason.”
Fredette's legacy in the NBA is just another body in a cemetery that has seen many promising careers die due to the lack of the right opportunity. His averages of 6.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists pale in comparison to what he's done in China, putting up 37.4 points per game since he arrived and shooting a blistering 41.2 percent from three.
The 29-year-old has had plenty of time to reflect on his career in the NBA, now determined to move on from those mistakes and take the bull by the horns, should he come around.
“There are certain times when I was younger, I was occasionally more passive. This time, when I get that chance, if I get it, they’ll know that I will do whatever I can to help my team win,” said Jimmer Fredette. “I’m going to be more aggressive each and every night. I want to have that mindset whenever I play and help the team the most with my skill set, which is as a scorer.
The BYU product might have been ahead of his time and under-appreciated in a conventional NBA system through his time with the Sacramento Kings and his brief stints with the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks.
Fredette's perimeter-oriented game could fetch a few offers for teams looking to add a scorer off the bench for their postseason run, which could make for a great redemption story.
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