Recently waived Sacramento Kings guard Jimmer Fredette has assured the Chicago Bulls he plans to sign with the team once he clears waivers.
After three disappointing seasons in Sacramento, the Kings cut ties with the former 2010 lottery pick from BYU earlier this week via a buyout. But if recent history is any indicator, the Bulls and their fine-tuned system could be the lone, perfect place for Fredette to resurrect his career.
Over the last two seasons, fellow points Nate Robinson and, this year, D.J. Augustin have hugely taken advantage of being under coach Tom Thibodeau’s rigid guidance to resurrect themselves and save Bulls’ seasons after campaign-ending injuries to All-Star guard Derrick Rose.
“Fredette gives the Bulls an explosive scorer from the outside off the bench, something they desperately need with their offensive issues, a source told CBSSports.com “His minutes will be limited in a backcourt with Kirk Hinrich and Augustin, but he’ll likely get opportunities to provide a spark. The Bulls’ defensive system will also cover for his defensive liabilities in both size and quickness. Overall, it’s a great fit.”
Having been waived before the March 1 deadline also makes Fredette eligible to join the suddenly surging and No. 4 seeded Bulls playoff roster. The third-year guard has averaged seven points and two assists over his career and was averaging six points and shooting 49 percent from the three point range in 11 minutes for the Kings this season.
Some have openly wondered why Fredette never got more of a chance in Sacramento, particularly given the Kings’ woeful ways. Over the last three seasons, Fredette has started just seven games.
Still, Fredette chose to take the high road on his way out of town, tweeting “I wanted to thank the Kings fans, coaches, my teammates, for my opportunity in Sacramento. I have made some lifelong friends.”
Fredette became an overnight sensation after leading BYU in the 2010-11 season, averaging 28.9 points and winning the AP, John Wooden, and James Naismith Player of the Year awards.
Fredette is expected to officially clear waivers sometime Sunday evening.
