LAS VEGAS - Jimmer Fredette let loose, but the Sacramento Kings were unable to capitalize on his offensive outburst, losing 113-91 to the Houston Rockets.
Jimmer talked about being given the green light by Kings head coach Keith Smart. “Shoot the ball a lot, but like you said, don’t be a ball hog,” Fredette said of the advice Smart gave him. “Don’t take too many bad shots or anything like that. Still play within the realm of the game.” Jimmer scored a Summer League-high 30 points on 10-of-21 shots. He also connected on all eight of his free throw attempts.
Kings assistant coach Bobby Jackson was not pleased with today’s effort. He commented on their poor rebounding and defense in transition. “They had 25 transition points at halftime,” Jackson said. “They ended up with 45. They were just running the floor and we weren’t. But it’s an effort thing (and) I just told the guys, you won’t last long if you think that you can just get by and we cruise.” He added that their play this Summer League has been too erratic and inconsistent. “I hope they look at themselves and say ‘Well, I gotta do something different’,” said Jackson.
Thomas Robinson was not happy with himself after the game. He’s confident he’ll eventually figure out the NBA. But one could see the frustration and could tell he wants to play better. I think I take this more personally than anybody in this whole Summer League,” Robinson told reporters after the game. “It’s the fact that I don’t like losing and I don’t like playing bad. But it happens, there’s a learning process. I’ll get over it.” Robinson scored 10 points on five-of-13 shooting, collected eight rebounds, but committed five turnovers and seven personal fouls.
Jackson on Robinson: “With any rookie, you gotta grow. He has a great motor, he has a great feel for the game. He just has to slow down sometimes and run the floor. With every rookie, just be more consistent. That’s what this league is all about, just being more consistent. His energy is always there. It’s just in spurts and when he decides to do it. So, outside of him, I’ve gotta say our overall effort was a C. It showed on the court.”
Forward Tony Mitchell had himself a solid game. Mitchell started his second contest, scored 15 points on six-of-10 shooting and pulled down six rebounds. Jackson likes his game and says Mitchell has been very coachable.
Jonathan Santiago serves Cowbell Kingdom as an editor specializing in writing, podcasting and video production. He also handles the majority of CK’s day-to-day beat coverage of the Kings.
Jimmer explodes!!! Oh wait he still didn’t shoot 50% from the field? RED FLAG!!! I’m sure his stellar defense and ability to create for others was spectacular. He must of had close to 10 rebounds too. NO? Shocking. Well at least he finally did great things against good competition. NO? Really! Okay I guess I still won’t be excited about his potential then. If he hadn’t played for one of the top teams last year he would have got way more time and been able to prove himself though. What? He played for the Kings! He could barely could get time playing for the Kings yet his fans still think he is going to be a Ray Allen type? Wow they must believe in some really unrealistic fantasy bull honky deep in their hearts and think it’s the truth.
Hater. You’ll see. It’s not him. It’s the system, the coach and the owners.
Jurgen
I hope we do see but coach and system have nothing to do with his struggles.
Jeffrey Thompson
It’s all well and good that he did that in a Summer league game. can he do that in the regular season when all of his teammates arrive and they start clamoring for the ball.
Eric
I’m a huge Jimmer fan and even I’m starting to wonder about his ability to make it in the NBA. Yes he scored 30 but he was given a green light that he will NOT receive in regular season. His vaunted 3 point shooting is struggling and that HAS to be his strength if he is to make it at this level.
Paragon3916
Jimmer has been a dud but i do believe he would work better in a different system BUT i do think that he could work well on this team as well….A team system is no excuse for missed jumpers. It’s all well and good that he had 30 but i need to seem more court vision and more Bball IQ from the young man or he will be stuck as the #3 point gaurd
Alex
Agreed. The system, coach, owners have no affect on a players ability to hit a wide open jumper, a shot that Jimmer missed much to often last season.
He’s a second year player in his first full offseason and summer league. He may be better suited at the 2 but they may as well get a look at him at point to see his abilities. Lets not put to much stock in his summer league performances, remember Donte Green once put up a 40+ point game.
Jimmer, get away from these coaches, these owners, and these costic jimmer haters… Tell your agent to work a trade… Smart’s last failure turned super star (Jeremy Linn) just moved to Houston for a 3 year $25M contract… Try to get yourself traded back to NY where they have real coaches… Or maybe down to Dallas where a full house could watch you (me included) every game and where a Coach that understands the game (Carlisle) can turn you into a Jason Terry replacement.
