2011 NBA Draft Combine - Discussion

[Uncia03]

Your probably asking the wrong person where Fredette is concerned. I've watched him play so much over the last two years, I feel like he belongs to me. So I'm definitely biased where he's concerned. But to answer your question from my biased point of view, I would say that if I could convince myself that he's athletic enough to play defense in the NBA, then yes, I would take him over Walker. Going into the draft the only obvious advantage Walker might have over Fredette is being a better defender. Other than that, I don't think there's any clear cut advantage. Walker has a very good crossover dribble, but so does Fredette. Both players have good mid-range games, and both players are capable finishers at the basket, with neither being outstanding at it.

But when it comes to size, and the ability to hit the 3 point shot, Fredette is the clear winner. Walker may be the better pick and roll player, but Fredette didn't get to run the pick and roll much due to being double teamed, even off the ball at times. But I have no doubt that he'd have no problem running it in the NBA. I think both guys are exciting players to watch. Fredette would have to stop pulling up 15 feet behind the 3 point line and shooting the ball, even if he did make a lot of those shots. Westphal's heart wouldn't take it. Besides, it wouldn't be necessary in the NBA where he wouldn't be the focus of the other teams defense.

I don't think anyone should underestimate Fredette's playmaking abilities either. He's a very good passer, and probably would have had more assists if he had better players around him. Remember, I'm biased!

I agree with this assessment.

In terms of guards I have the order as: Knight, Fredette, Walker.

I think that both Knight and Fredette have a chance to take Beno's spot in the rotation after a year or so of play, and I could see Knight in a starting role next to Tyreke with Thorton off the bench sometime in the next few years.

I would take Knight with our 7th pick, though I don't expect to see him fall to us. I wouldn't at this time take Fredette or Walker with our 7th pick, as I'd take Hamilton, Singleton, or maybe Leonard instead.

Regardless of Fredette's perceived lack of athleticism, he's got a fantastic crossover which he'll be effective with in the NBA to get into the lane, and there isn't any way that the defenses in the NBA will be able to load up on him like they did in College, especially if you have Cousins & Tyreke out on the court with him.
He showed that he has good playmaking instincts and should be a good pick-n-roll player.

So if Petrie knew he was going to get a good SF in free-agency/trade, and he was determined to pick a guard at the 7 spot, I'd take Fredette over Walker if those were my two choices.