The New York Knicks are reportedly seeking to add backcourt depth as the February trade deadline approaches and one of their current considerations is to bring back Jimmer Fredette in the NBA.
ESPN's Ian Begley reported the Knicks' plans, saying that "Jimmer Fredette of the Westchester Knicks is one candidate. Fredette has played well for the Knicks' D-League club (23 points, 4.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds) and Phil Jackson is a fan of Fredette's, according to a source, but that doesn't guarantee him a roster spot with the Knicks".
The 26-year-old point guard was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 10th overall pick of the 2011 draft. He ended up playing for the Sacramento Kings during his first three seasons in the league, then for the Chicago Bulls in 2013-2014 before spending the past two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.
He signed the San Antonio Spurs last summer but was waived before the current NBA regular season began after playing two preseason games for Gregg Popovich.
Fredette was then selected second overall by the Westchester Knicks on Oct. 31 during the 2015 NBA Developmental League Draft, but he re-signed with the Pelicans on Nov. 10. Nine days later, New Orleans waived once more and he is currently back with Westchester.
Fredette had always been a top prospect during college after winning the National college player of the year award in 2011, but he was never given enough breaks in the professional level to show his full potential.
He has always been known as a scorer and outside shooter, particularly from three-point range, but his small built and suspect defense have kept coaches from giving him longer playing time.
Sports World Report said that Knicks team president Phil Jackson is "a fan of Fredette which could play a big part in whether he gets called up or not".