The NY Knicks have drafted Jimmer Fredette in the D-League draft and the former top pick will join the Westchester Knicks in the NBA Development League. The Knicks have all five players they cut heading into the season joining their D-League affiliate, including Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Darion Atkins, DaJuan Summers, Wesley Saunders and Travis Trice
Fredette was taken second overall in the D-League draft on Saturday and he will report to the Westchester Knicks, according to ESPN. Fredette was cut by the San Antonio Spurs after spending training camp and the preseason with the team. After Fredette was cut, reports had the Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Suns and Jazz as teams interested in signing him. Fredette has not done much in four seasons in the NBA, averaging six points per game in his career.
Fredette was taken second overall in the D-League draft after previously being a top 10 pick for the Sacramento Kings back in 2011. Fredette never was able to find a consistent role while playing for the Kings and he also spent time with the Bulls and Pelicans in the NBA. Fredette is a free agent technically and can sign with another NBA team if he wants to. Fredette is on the training camp roster for Westchester and could be an option for the regular season roster.
Fredette was one of the most impressive players coming out of college basketball when he entered the draft and he previously was the National Player of the Year for BYU. The Knicks also will have Antetokounmpo in Westchester for another season after Antetokounmpo was with the team in training camp. Derek Fisher had some praise for Antetokounmpo before the team waived the forward, staying he has great defensive skills and athleticism, but that he needs more development in his game.
The Knicks have Summers on the roster and he will not need to count as an affiliate player for the team, as he was taken in an expansion draft last season. Summers joins the roster after playing in camp with the Knicks, while Trice, Saunders and Atkins also come in after playing with the Knicks in training camp. Antetokounmpo had a chance to make the team, but the Knicks did not keep him and while some expected him to play overseas, Antetokounmpo will play in Westchester again.
The Knicks could look at some of the Westchester players as future options for the roster, as Langston Galloway went from the D-League to being a key player for the team. The Knicks like the potential of Antetokounmpo and the team is hoping that he develops into more of an all-around player like his brother with the Bucks. Fredette is a low risk, high upside option if he can finally get things together.
