JJ Redick Talks Jimmer Fredette

by Jeremy Bauman / @JBauman13

As BYU and The Jimmer tipped off against undefeated San Diego State last night, I was fortunate enough to be in the same locker room as another “slow, unathletic” shooter who was somewhat doubted as he came into the NBA after his senior year in college: JJ Redick.

Chosen with the 11th pick in the 2006 Draft, Redick wasn’t an immediate impact player and it took him a while to realize what his role would be at the highest level, which is why his critique and advice in particular is valuable to anybody who wants to take a peak into the future of The Jimmer.

“I haven’t watched him play much since the Tournament last year, but he’s a special player — a talented guy. I hope he has a great senior year and hopefully we can see him in the League next year.

“I wouldn’t doubt him. He’s gonna have a chance to play in the League, that’s for sure. I haven’t seen enough of him, but anybody who puts up those kinds of numbers obviously has that kind of competitive streak. He’s gonna give himself a chance to play in this league for sure.

“Continue to work on your weakness but also be who you are. That’s most important because if you can carve out a niche for yourself in this league, that’s a great thing.”

As Redick implies, whether you are a superstar or a role player on an NBA team, the fact of the matter is that you are in the League doing what you love to do.

With all of the “Can Jimmer play in the NBA?” talk that’s going around right now, people should keep Redick’s thoughts in mind.

Is Jimmer smart/savvy enough to fill a role in the NBA? Yes.

Does he lead well enough? Yes.

Can he shoot well enough? Yes.

Whether he can guard point guards at the highest level and whether he is athletic enough remains to be seen, but I’m with JJ — I wouldn’t doubt this kid, either.