NBA Draft 2011: 10 Fan Bases That Jimmer Fredette Could Instantly Boost
So far there have been some obvious standouts for Detroit in their quest for the Cup—and current quest to dig themselves out of a 3-0 series hole.
Pavel Datsyuk has been nothing but pure hustle n' flow for the Red Wings. Every time he is on the ice it seems that he is dictating the play and creating time and space for his teammates.
Jimmy Howard has been (I'm running out of adjectives to be honest... let's try..) transcendent in his play and is arguably the only reason the Wings are still standing in their current series.
He hasn't stolen any games, but he is making big stops when he needs to. Anytime your goaltender is making 30 or 35 stops a game he is doing his job.
Lidstrom has proven that he still has plenty left in the tank with his outstanding play.
But who are the other guys? The guys playing in the large shadows that the Nos. 13, 40, and 5 cast? Lets take a minute to appreciate the five guys that are currently playing their butts off and not getting quite enough attention for it.
Here is Detroit's five biggest unsung heroes thus far. In no particular order...
New York Knicks
1 of 10
Not only will they be needing a PG to eventually replace Chauncey Billups, Fredette could also add some depth to the Knicks.
As for the fans, he'll definitely add some spark and will be a perfect fit for Mike D'Antoni's love for offense and scoring.
Not to mention, tickets will easily sell and Fredette will be put on a national stage like no other.
Detroit Pistons
2 of 10
Might not be the perfect fit in Detroit since they have so much depth at guard, but Fredette would be the main showcase of talent.
He'd be a new and exciting fresh start for the fans after Rip Hamilton wants a trade.
Additionally, Tayshaun Prince may sign elsewhere this offseason.
So, other than T-Mac and Ben Gordon, Jimmer should electrify the arena.
Cleveland Cavaliers
3 of 10
After everything Cavaliers fans have been through, well, Cleveland fans in general, having a player like Jimmer Fredette could bring new life.
They have two top-10 picks in the upcoming draft, so using one on Jimmer isn't such a bad idea.
At this point, Cavs' fans have been looking toward the draft since, well, probably mid-season if not sooner.
That said, the Q would light up each night Fredette took the court and make each Cleveland fan forget about the summer of 2010.
Los Angeles Clippers
4 of 10
What a compliment would Jimmer Fredette be to Blake Griffin?
The problem is, there's no way the Clippers have a chance at drafting him unless they give up a lot to move up the draft board.
Hypothetically speaking however, it would be extremely exciting to watch them team up.
But, don't get too amped up Clipper fans, because it is a long-shot.
Toronto Raptors
5 of 10
Last season the Raptors finished 22-60 and finished ranked 17th in scoring an average of 99 points per game.
And, despite that being not their worst area, adding Jimmer Fredette would significantly increase that ranking.
After the departure of Chris Bosh, a player as exhilarating as Fredette would only enhance ticket and merchandise sales.
More importantly though, it gives the fans a player who can help rebuild the franchise.
Utah Jazz
6 of 10
The 2010-11 season was a year to forget for Jazz fans, as long-time HC Jerry Sloan retired and PG Deron Williams got traded to New Jersey.
Well, Jimmer Fredette would immediately become a fan favorite since he did play his college ball in the state of Utah.
Not to mention, he would become a part of a team with some pieces of the puzzle already in place (SF Andrei Kirilenko and SG Gordon Hayward).
Minnesota Timberwolves
7 of 10
Let's face it, Luke Ridnour and Jonny Flynn are not the long-term answer for the Timberwolves.
Enter Jimmer Fredette and his uncanny ability to score at will.
Combine him with Kevin Love and Minnesota is getting closer to a complete team.
Since the departure of Kevin Garnett, T-Wolves fans have been long suffering.
Even with Garnett there wasn't much success.
Prior to their only conference finals appearance in the 2003-04 season, the previous seven were one and done in the post-season.
Since, no playoffs and only one winning season.
Sacramento Kings
8 of 10
There was a threat to move, but they have been saved for at least one more season.
Well, if the personnel in the King's office wish to remain in Sacramento, drafting Jimmer Fredette can only help.
Much like a few of these other teams, ticket and merchandise sales would go up, and you have to expect corporate sponsorships and advertising to increase.
He's one of the best chances for the fans to see their team not relocate, so for their sake maybe this is where Fredette belongs.
Golden State Warriors
9 of 10
Jimmer Fredette may not be the best fit with Golden State since they already have Stephen Curry is the PG and Monta Ellis is the SG.
In any event though, the Warriors were 10 games under .500 this past season, but did have a stellar offense.
However, the fans would be ecstatic to have him since the Warriors have only reached the post-season once since the early '90s.
New Orleans Hornets
10 of 10
With all the Chris Paul trade talks going on, a sense of relief for Hornets fans could be Jimmer Fredette.
Now he's obviously no CP3, but he would suffice as the replacement, and if Paul stays just try to transition him as a SG.
New Orleans does need a solid SG, and Fredette would be a solid fit for Paul.
As for the fans, if Paul remains, great. If he leaves, then a new direction begins.
Either way, adding college basketball's Player of the Year would help the fans and team very much.
Actually drafting however, is another story.
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