Jimmer, real name James Taft, Fredette is currently a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Drafted with the number 10 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2010 and traded to the Sacramento Kings. The Kings needed to sell tickets and jerseys and many saw this move as more marketing ploy then basketball need. Disappointingly Jimmer didn’t do much to sway this opinion. The undersized point guard was often outplayed and outshined by the another undersized guard, the Kings other 2010 pick, #60 Isaiah Thomas.
But something Jimmer did bring to the NBA with him from BYU was the return of Spalding. He was one of three NBA athletes to don Spalding during their return in 2010. And although the brand has had some trouble gaining traction in the tough basketball sneaker market Jimmer has donned Spalding on each of his three NBA teams.
Although we get glimpses of his infinite range and sharp shooting, it doesn’t look like Jimmer-mania will ever translate to the NBA like it did in college. Still we wish Jimmer a very Happy Birthday and hope he sticks around, if nothing else just so Spalding has athlete to showcase their basketball line in the league.
Nick Engvall
Sneaker History
Mike Guillory