Anonymous NBA assistant: 'Jimmer thinks everybody is stupid'
Jimmer Mania was a huge deal when he averaged 28.9 points per game while hitting absurdly difficult 3-pointers at BYU, but his success and popularity failed to carry over to the NBA game.
Jimmer Fredette, the former 10th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, was waived by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday after putting up just four points on 20 percent shooting in preseason action.
San Antonio marked Fredette's fourth destination in as many years, and his repeated failures only add to a growing question: Why can't Jimmer recreate his success in the big leagues?
To that end, Yahoo's Michael Lee asked league officials for their take on the 6-foot-2 guard, and received a rather candid response from one of Fredette's former assistant coaches.
"Jimmer thinks everybody is stupid," the assistant told Lee. "He thinks everybody needs to come and just turn over their offense and let him shoot it anytime he wants. That's not how the league works."
The anonymous assistant continued, explaining Fredette's alleged reluctance to adapt to the NBA.
"He won't adjust his game for it," he said. "He'll tell you, 'This is what I did at BYU.' Well, BYU, that's a long time ago."
It's worth noting, however, that Fredette generally drew praise from many of his other former coaches. Mike Malone and Tom Thibodeau, who oversaw Fredette during his time with the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls both lauded his attitude.
For one reason or another, however, Fredette has failed to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to him at the NBA level. And while the ability to shoot - Fredette's one undeniable skill - is more valuable than ever in the modern game, his significant defensive shortcomings and alleged stubbornness are certainly not helping his cause.
Fredette holds averages of 6.1 points and 1.4 assists in 13.9 minutes across 229 games in the NBA.