Don’t teach the Suns how to ‘Jimmer’ just yet
May 31, 2011, 8:56 PM | Updated: 10:06 pm
You may not need to get someone to teach you how to Jimmer anytime soon to be cool in Phoenix. That’s because the Suns interest in the BYU guard may not be as large as it was once believed to be.
ESPN’s Chad Ford, who was the main perpetrator of Fredette to Phoenix rumors, has softened his stance on the college standout landing in the desert since his initial comments.
The Suns also like Jimmer, and with Steve Nash rolling into the last year of his deal — and with his backup Aaron Brooks far from a lock to replace him — Fredette fits a need and his style of play fits well with Alvin Gentry’s system.
However, Phoenix Suns President Lon Babby has been emphasizing defense this summer, and I got an earful about it from Babby in the lobby of the Westin in Chicago last week. Given the major question marks surrounding Fredette’s defensive abilities, he may not be as snug of a fit as I had thought. While Babby didn’t rule out taking Fredette at 13, he didn’t sound like a man whose heart was set on taking him.
If the Suns are truly interested in changing their reputation as the Switzerland of the NBA — neutral when it comes to defense — adding a small guard known for his ability to score while sacrificing his ability to guard opponents won’t help accomplish that.
Thanks to a lack of a natural position at the next level and the idea of pairing him with the defensively deficient Steve Nash, adding Jimmer to the Suns makes no real sense. With trips to the draft lottery being a rarity for Phoenix over the years they have to make the most out of it this summer.
If it’s about getting better as a basketball team Fredette most likely isn’t the answer. If it’s about gaining attention and a few additional fans in the stands, Jimmer may still be the Suns’ man.
