It won’t be long before we get our question answered. Where will Jimmer Fredette end up? Some believe it’s only destiny that he goes to Utah. Others see him as a fringe top-15 pick. But one question Fredette is answering again and again in draft workouts? He can play. Really well.
Back in late March, we argued his merits as a big-time pro. And yesterday he was in Utah, going toe-to-toe for the Jazz with someone who is expected to be that (Kemba Walker). The Salt Lake Tribune writes:
Building off strong performances during four previous NBA Draft workouts, the former Brigham Young guard accomplished exactly what he set out to do weeks ago when initial plans took shape for a highly hyped session with the Jazz. Fredette got his long-desired matchup against ex-Connecticut star Kemba Walker, holding his own against a player many consider to be a lock for a top-10 pick in the June 23 draft. Fredette also drilled shots he was expected to sink, while drawing praise for his sharp passing and improved defense. In turn, the undersized combo guard who entered the five-week buildup toward selection day facing numerous questions and serious doubts ended Wednesday’s session by making more believers.
Basically every team that’s seen Fredette is raving about him. Fox Sports’ Sam Amico tweeted yesterday that a scout told him: “I don’t care who you are, you can’t guard him. He is too shifty. How rest of game translates to NBA, I don’t know.”
Today in his latest mock draft on Yahoo! Sports, DraftExpress.com’s Jonathan Givony actually has Fredette all the way up at No. 7 to Sacramento, saying, “He is a perfect offensive complement to Tyreke Evans and he had an excellent workout in Sacramento that left the Kings’ brass smitten.”
In our Dime NBA Draft Profile on Fredette, we wrote that while he lacks a huge ceiling, teams know what to expect. And in a draft of complete unknowns and prospects that lack any polish whatsoever, GMs are growing fond of the one “sure thing.”
When I spoke with Indiana forward Danny Granger last week, he raved about Fredette, saying he thinks Indiana might take him at No. 15. But as the draft approaches, it’s looking increasingly doubtful the former BYU guard lasts that long.
Would you take Fredette in the top 10?
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