In need of better backcourt help, the New York Knicks are signing D-League star Jimmer Fredette to a 10-day contract. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the guard is expected to join the team on Monday and be ready to play on Monday. After Phil Jackson failed to get a trade done for the team at the deadline, Fredette is now tasked with taking scoring pressure off Carmelo Anthony and he is ready for the challenge.
"You've got 10 days to show what you can do," Fredette said, via the New York Times. "They'll decide from there if they want to keep me or if they don't. So you've just got to go in there and try your best, whether it's a game or a practice, or you're in the weight room - whatever it is. Show them you're professional and that you're there to work."
Fredette's role on the team is unclear at the moment. The Knicks are loaded at the guard position, but no one is playing well at the moment. According to the New York Daily News, Fredette will not be a starter, but it is unclear just how many minutes the team is willing to commit to him in that 10-day span. Jose Calderon remains the starting point guard while Arron Afflalo gets the nod at the guard position. Langston Galloway will start first off the bench ahead of Jerian Grant while Sasha Vujacic logs minutes as well. Fredette will be left to battle for a spot.
The Knicks have a history of keeping playing off their 10-day deals. Last year, Lou Amundson, Lance Thomas and Galloway were all called up from the D-League and earned contracts for the rest of year and this season as well. If Fredette can find his niche with the team, he stands a chance at being retained for the rest of the season while rebuilding his NBA reputation. Fredette bounced around in the league prior to landing in the D-League and is now aiming to make the most of his second chance.
One player not overly excited for Fredette's arrival is Anthony. The franchise star was quoted calling him Jimmy instead of Jimmer.
"To be honest with you," Anthony said, via the New York Daily News. "I haven't seen Jimmy play in a long time. I've been hearing about what's he's doing down there in the D-League but I haven't seen him play in action for a long time."
Fredette has the impressive numbers on his side. However, he failed to duplicate those in the NBA before. The shooting guard still has a lot to prove in 10 days.