It isn't that Jimmer Fredette is being urged to heed those voices coming from the stands that clamor for him to "Shoot it!" every time he touches the ball.
But two games into the season, Kings coach Paul Westphal thinks the rookie guard could be taking more shots when the opportunity is there.
In games against the Lakers and Trail Blazers, Fredette has made 7 of 18 shots, including 1 of 5 three-point attempts, while averaging 25 minutes. He has appeared hesitant at times in passing up some open looks.
"I think he's a little too nice," Westphal said on Wednesday. "I think he's probably trying to fit in a little too much. Everybody on the team knows he can shoot the ball and wants to see him shoot the ball. He has to know that it's OK, and he's feeling his way. He's played two preseason games and two NBA games and I think he's done very well."
Part of the effect Fredette can have on the Kings' offense is his ability to spread the floor as a shooter. Fredette said after the Kings' shoot-around this morning that he has been feeling out his role in the offense and with his new teammates, which may account for any tentativeness.
"I'm just trying to play my game, fit into the system, be able to get others involved and try to be aggressive myself," Fredette said. "It's definitely different coming in to try to find your new role, but he wants me to be aggressive scoring the basketball, and if that's what he wants, that's what I'll do."
Fredette said there have been "maybe a couple" of shots through two games that he could have taken but passed up.
"That's what they thought, and I probably should've shot them," he said. "But there's no more of that anymore."
Tipoff for the Kings' game against the Chicago Bulls is about 10 minutes away.
-- Matt Kawahara
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.