2011 NBA Mock Draft Breaks Down Possible Landing Spots For BYU G Jimmer Fredette
Jimmer Fredette is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. He has incredible range on his jump shot and is the best pure shooter in the draft. However, he struggles on the defensive side of the ball and projects as a bit of a tweener at the NBA level.
Even with Fredette’s flaws there he no doubt he is a first-round talent and will likely hear his name called in the first 15 picks on draft night.
Some potential landing spots for Jimmer include the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and Indiana Pacers.
1. Phoenix Suns
ESPN Insider Chad Ford originally believed that Jimmer Fredette would land in Phoenix and that he was a perfect fit for their system. This was Ford’s original analysis of the pick prior to the NBA combine,
“I continue to believe Fredette would be a great option for Phoenix. His shooting ability combined with the Suns’ free-flowing offense are a very good fit. Fredette’s terrible defense raises concerns, but at least he is a fit on a team that has been willing to overlook Steve Nash’s weakness in that area for years.”
I actually tend to agree with this analysis that Phoenix is the ideal landing spot for Fredette. Fredette could step in and be a better shooting version of Steve Nash, thus giving the Suns the option to move Steve Nash at some point before the trade deadline.
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2. Utah Jazz
Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick believes that the Utah Jazz will be lured into taking the BYU star with the No. 12 overall pick. Amick appears to have some substance to his claim, as he advises that he has a source that says the Jazz are seriously considering Fredette.
“This entry comes somewhat reluctantly, but a source who has spoken to the Jazz insists that they are seriously thinking about taking the BYU product this high. The departures of coach Jerry Sloan and Williams mean the business folks want a new addition about whom the fans can get excited. The basketball part would be challenging for new coach Tyrone Corbin, as the pressure to play Fredette even if he didn’t always want to would be significant.”
The chances of the Jazz selecting Fredette really depends on what they do with the No. 3 pick. If they select Brandon Knight, it really makes no sense for the Jazz to pick Fredette here. However, if they look to add Enes Kanter with the pick or trade up a pick for Derrick Williams, it makes a bit more sense.
3. Indiana Pacers
ESPN’s Chad Ford has changed his mind on where he thinks Fredette will land, as he now has him landing with the Indiana Pacers in his latest mock draft.
“I’m not sure Fredette is the point guard of the future in Indiana. He may be more of a scoring fixture (a la Ben Gordon) coming off the bench. Either way, his ability to contribute right away should give the Pacers another bump as they try to take the next step.”
Fredette could be a solid pickup for the Pacers, but I’m just not convinced Fredette can end up being a productive SG in the NBA, as he is undersized for the position.
I remain committed to the fact that he is best served as the replacement for the Steve Nash in Phoenix, where their style of play tends to better suit his game.