It's Jimmer Time

Usually, when the Bulls are on the verge of signing somebody this far into the season, it doesn't generate much interest or excitement.  However, in a year with increasingly lowered expectations, anything to provide a buzz around this team is appreciated.  That's why many people are talking about the likely acquisition of Jimmer Fredette.

Fredette, the 2011 National Player of the Year at BYU, was just bought out by the Sacramento Kings, nearly three years into his career.  This season, he is averaging career lows of 5.9 points and 11.3 minutes, a clear sign he wasn't getting as many opportunities in California's capital as he would have liked.  By the time you read this, a deal with the Bulls will likely be finalized.

For his career, Fredette has averaged an even seven points, shot 42 percent from the field, 40 percent from beyond the arc and 86 percent from the free throw line.  This season, he has career highs in all three respective areas at 48, 49 and 90.  To be fair, those numbers would probably be lower if he had more attempts compared to his other two seasons with the Kings.  Still, a smaller sample size might be just what Gar Forman and John Paxson needed to want to pursue this new free agent.

Anything to boost this putrid offense the Bulls possess would be welcome.  It also would give the Bulls a new shooting specialist that has been lacking lately.  Mike Dunleavy had to abandon that role with the team after taking Luol Deng's starting spot.  Even now, I think I would trust Fredette more when a big shot is needed.  Dunleavy has always struck as a slightly above average shooter at best and nothing like Kyle Korver or Marco Belinelli, who pretty much get paid to just shoot all the time. 

I'm not saying Fredette is in those players' league, but he might be as close to either of those two players the Bulls will get this season.  If we're lucky, there will be some great shooting duels in the playoffs between Fredette and whatever pure shooter is opposing the Bulls.  Once that gets going, anything goes.  The Bulls somehow reached the second round last year with a undermanned group and it's not out of the question for them to do it again.  Hey, when you know you're not likely to win a championship this season, you need something to hang onto.  Fredette might be just that.

Following Friday's road win over Dallas, the Bulls will play a nationally televised matinee Sunday against the New York Knicks.  Since it will be over before I have to go to work, I'll have a postgame post.  And quite possibly, we'll get our first look of new Bull Jimmer Fredette.