A former first-round pick in the NBA has suddenly announced his retirement from basketball. Former guard Jimmy Fredette has retired from basketball, announcing his decision on social media.
“Basketball has taken me all around this world: from Glens Falls NY, to BYU, the NBA, China, Greece, and even Team USA at the Olympics!” Fredette wrote in a social media post. “This game and my love for it has shaped me into the person I am today and for that I am forever grateful. So many memories and amazing moments. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it! The next journey starts now.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 03: Grayson Allen #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball guarded by Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick… PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 03: Grayson Allen #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball guarded by Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 03, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Fredette was the No. 10 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2011 NBA Draft. The guard was traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night, giving way to “Jimmermania” in Sacramento.
After a very successful run in college at Brigham Young University (BYU), Fredette had a ton of hype surrounding him entering the league. However, things didn’t quite work out the way that another would have hoped.
Fredette struggled with the physicality of the NBA and never quite seemed to find his form in the league. In college, Fredette averaged 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, showing off his impressive shooting abilities.
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His final year at BYU was truly special as he put up 28.9 points per game. Throughout his collegiate career, Fredette was a marksman from beyond the 3-point line, shooting 39 percent from distance.
But his game never translated over to the NBA as he averaged 6.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in the league. After just a few seasons in Sacramento, the Kings decided enough was enough, buying out the contract of Fredette.
Fredette also played with the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns throughout his career. Nothing ever seemed to stick, and eventually, he left for an international opportunity.
The guard played overseas with the Shanghai Sharks, winning the MVP award in the Chinese Basketball Association in 2017. Fredette found a lot of success in China, but was always looking to get back to the NBA.
Fredette did come back to the NBA in 2019, signing with the Suns. However, it was more of the same, forcing Fredette to go back overseas.
The guard landed with Panathinaikos, but only lasted one season. Fredette eventually went back to China before he was forced to leave due to the ongoing pandemic.
Fredette spent the final years of his basketball career playing in professional 3×3 leagues. The guard became one of the better 3×3 players, even having the chance to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics as a member of the first USA 3×3 Men’s National Team.
It seems Fredette is at peace with his decision. Fredette will be remembered well, even with his career not going the route many expected.
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