Jimmer Fredette: 5 Areas He Must Polish Before Playing His First NBA Game

In the midst of preparations for the shortened NBA season, Jimmer Fredette has been hard at work on the court to improve his talent. The shooting abilities of this rookie have been proven but will not be enough to secure a long-term NBA career.

Here are five areas of improvement Jimmer will need to be a valuable NBA player.

NBA-Level Conditioning and Fitness

While Jimmer was watching and tweeting (@JimmerFredette) about the Oregon and Stanford football game on November 12th, he indicated along with other comments that his workout routine had not changed drastically from his time in college.

The Brigham Young University plan for fitness has helped Jimmer develop a strong work ethic that he will need through the tests and trials of a Sacramento Kings team working to maximize individual performances throughout the roster.

Improving Contested Shot Percentage

The zone defense that defines much of NCAA basketball will be a distant memory in the NBA. Along with that formation will come much fewer wide-open shooting opportunities. 

The Sacramento Kings have fallen to a stagnant offensive flow which will result in more contested shooting chances for Jimmer Fredette.

Practicing jump shots with a defender attacking would be time well-spent to prepare for the taller small forwards and guards that will be assigned to deny Jimmer the ball.

Dribbling Through Traffic

The swiping hands of the NBA could turn potential into pitfall for Jimmer Fredette when he handles the ball this winter.

If they can deny him the ball, his role on the team is instantly limited. Fredette needs to become a reliable ball handler to contribute to Sacramento.

Study Film on Sacramento

The Kings have individual players who each move in a unique way. If Fredette can identify the cut pattern of Francisco Garcia, the post tendency of DeMarcus Cousins and the game management of Tyreke Evans, he can make a better impact during his time on the floor.

This team needs role players, and investing film time now will pay dividends on the floor.

Defensive Training

While I think Jimmer has more of an upside defensively than other top rookies, a lot of work needs to be done in lateral motion and defensive awareness.

Active hands and feet need lots of time in the gym and hard work to develop. On-the-job training will no doubt be an eye-opener for the rookie when the season gets underway,