The former BYU sensation Jimmer Fredette was named the International MVP of the Chinese Basketball Association. Fredette is averaging 37.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals for the Sharks, shooting 47.7 percent and 40.4 percent from 3-point range.
Fredette is eyeing an NBA return and is reportedly drawing interest from some teams.
Fredette, who was drafted 10th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and immediately traded to the Sacramento Kings, averaged just 6.0 points and 1.4 assists per game in his five-year career, which also included a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls.
He also shot 38.1 percent from beyond the arc, and his ability to shoot was never in question. Fredette didn’t bring many other NBA skills to the table, however, as his lack of athleticism and poor defense were major liabilities.
Teams looking for a sharpshooter off the bench may be able to carve out a role for Fredette. Still, it’s unlikely that one season in China helped Fredette address the weaknesses that shoehorned him into limited roles on NBA teams before he sought an opportunity overseas in the first place.
Maybe the Houston Rockets, Warriors, Cavs, Clippers or one of those other playoff teams looking for a guy to come of the bench and get buckets may want it. After all, it is an offensive league now.
