Over the weekend, former BYU star Jimmer Fredette was taken with the No. 2 overall pick with the Westchester Knicks in the NBA Developmental League Draft. Some were wondering why Fredette would take a low paying job with the D-League, but he has plans to get back into the NBA. The New York Knicks are not set on their 15-man roster and Fredette has plans to earn that 15th spot.
Fredette and his agents were hoping that the 2011 collegiate national player of the year could go to the Knicks, and said as much in a conference call.
“We talked to them beforehand and we hoped to make it work so I’d be drafted by the Knicks,” Fredette said. “We had phone calls from other organizations. We’re very excited the Knicks were interested.
“I’m from upstate. It’s kind of coming back home. It’s not exactly where I’m from, but it’s definitely exciting to be back in New York. I loved watching the Knicks growing up. To be part of the organization in Westchester is a great opportunity for me to go out and play and hopefully be able to do good things and help the organization.’’
This is possibly the most perfect spot for Fredette to get back into the NBA since that 15th roster spot for the Knicks is not solidified, so there is hope that he could be in the NBA sooner than later.
“With them having 14 guys on the roster, you never know what’s going to happen. But everything comes into play when you’re trying to figure out the best situation to go to. I’m excited to be here,” he said. “I’m not too far from where I grew up so that’s a big part of it and I think that’s sort of a cool thing. You never know what’s going to happen, but I hope to impress and play well and then go from there.”
Fredette played in 229 games over the past four seasons in the NBA across three teams, averaging 6.1 points in 13 minutes per game. He said there were offers from teams overseas but he felt that this was his best chance to stay in the NBA.
