The San Antonio Spurs have signed Jimmer Fredette to a training camp contract this offseason and now the free agent will have a chance to make the roster for the Spurs and it comes after the team lost Cory Joseph and Marco Belinelli in free agency and now Fredette could give the team some depth at guard with Tony Parker, Danny Green, Manu Ginobili, Ray McCallum and Patty Mills.
The Spurs have been active this offseason in signing back Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan while also bringing in superstar LaMarcus Aldridge. Tony Parker is back along with Manu Ginobili and now the team has taken a chance on Fredette. According to Marc Stein of ESPN and Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports who first reported the news, Fredette is signing a deal with a "modest guarantee" and he will have a "chance to make the roster," per Woj.
Wojnarowski reports that the Sours have been "searching hard for shooters" this offseason after losing Belinelli and now Fredette will get a chance to be an option off the bench. Fredette has not had much success in the NBA, but perhaps a change of scenery and a new system could be a remedy for the young player. Fredette was one of the top shooters in college basketball when he came into the NBA, but he has not been able to find the same success.
Last season was a tough one for Fredette, as he shot less than 20 percent from three point range with the Pelicans. Fredette is close to 40 percent from long range for his career and if he can stay near those numbers, he could have a good chance to contribute for a winning team. Fredette could be part of the B-unit for the Spurs and that is something the team will likely use a lot with some aging players on the roster. Wojnarowski reports that Fredette will get the chance to play in training camp and "claim the 15th roster spot" for the Spurs.
Overall Fredette has shot just above 41 percent for his career while playing for the Pelicans, Bulls and Kings and last season he averaged three points per game in 50 games with the Pelicans. The Spurs have a lot of talent on the bench and rookie Kyle Anderson also could make an impact after playing well in the Summer League. The Spurs won the league title and Anderson was the MVP, averaging over 20 points and putting up six rebounds per game in six games and he could be another contributing reserve for San Antonio.
The Spurs have made moves like this in the past with players that have not worked out elsewhere and at times they have found great success. The team picked up Ray McCallum and Fredette this offseason and both of those players are previous Kings draft picks that did not work out in Sacramento. McCallum was traded this offseason and he has a strong chance to stick with the Spurs, as he can be a solid backup option off the bench at guard for Gregg Popovich.
Check here for more on Fredette's contract and the San Antonio Spurs offseason moves.
