Madison Square Garden was abuzz on Monday night, not because the New York Knicks were winning, but because Jimmer Fredette was set to make his debut after getting called up from the D-League. The Knicks announced they signed the guard to a 10-day contract. After not getting a trade deal complete, Fredette was the team's best option for backcourt help, but head coach Kurt Rambis is downplaying just how involved he will get in the coming games.
Fredette did not get into the game until there were two minutes left in the game against the Toronto Raptors while the Knicks were already down by double digits. He came in a drained a 3-point shot drawing cheers from the crowd, but Rambis is making it clear that his time will be limited.
"He's not going to displace someone who's played all year and has worked hard in practice,'' Rambis said, via the New York Post. "He's got to be keyed in to where everyone's supposed to be. I'm not sure he's there yet. He's basically an off-guard in this league. He's going to have to use his speed and quickness against someone who's a lot taller and stronger."
The Knicks do have a crowded roster of backcourt players; the issue is that no one is playing well. Jose Calderon, Sasha Vujacic, Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant are all looking for time on the court and now Fredette is being added into the mix. The issue is that Fredette is the only player on a 10-day contract and he is aiming to make an impact right away.
"You got to go out there and not worry about the pressure,'' Fredette said. "Just play free. It's an opportunity and chance to show your skills. You hope to stay around as long as you can. Ten days is far away from now.''
ESPN's Johnette Howard, makes note that in the style of offense that the Knicks are running, no one is with the ball too long in their hands so fans should table their expectations for Fredette becoming the next Linsanity in New York. The Knicks are Fredette's fifth team since arriving in the NBA. While he stresses he is simply just looking for a shot, the Knicks might not give him much of a chance.
Carmelo Anthony is not sure what kind of impact Fredette will have in his 10 days, but he is hoping the Knicks get some kind of spark soon. The franchise star was not happy with the Toronto loss and he is calling out his teammates as a result.
"Regardless of the record, just losing, accepting that -- it is hard to accept that," said Anthony, via ESPN.com. "You can't be satisfied with losing basketball games."
