SACRAMENTO, CA - If his Sacramento Kings teammates weren't quite aware of the cult like fan following in Utah for Jimmer Fredette, fellow rookie Isaiah Thomas, who experienced it first hand over the summer, can tell them all they need to know about it.
"Utah is the state of Jimmer," Thomas said with a smile, following Friday's practice before the Kings left for Salt Lake City.
Fredette will make his first return to Utah on Saturday when the Kings (6-13) visit the Jazz. He was the collegiate player of the year last season with BYU in nearby Provo.
Thomas knows first hand after playing with Fredette in a charity exhibition game in Provo during the NBA lockout.
"It's unreal - he's like a God out there, he really is," Thomas said. "I've seen people cry over him being right next to him. That's like some Michael Jackson stuff."
Although Fredette has a large national following, returning to Utah, where he built his large following has some wondering how he'll perform. He's filling in the starting lineup for injured guard Marcus Thornton, and leading scorer, who is out 1-2 weeks with a hematoma in his thigh.
"He'll be ready, he's real calm in those situations and really does good in those situations," Thomas said.
Finally coming into his own and finding more of a routine and comfort level, Fredette is playing much better and making his return to his old stomping grounds at just the right time. He currently averages 8.5 points, 2.1 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 22.7 minutes.
Since Keith Smart replaced Paul Westphal as head coach, Fredette hasn't played less than 21 minutes.
During the last three games, he's looked more like the ex-BYU star the nation saw in college. The NBA's No. 10 overall pick in last year's draft has averaged 17.3 points while shooting 48.4 percent from the floor and 61.1 percent from the three-point line - twice leading Sacramento in scoring.
Fredette's success comes at a tough time for the Kings - losers of three straight and six of their eight games.
"I think he's looking for his shot a little bit more," said Smart, who insisted that his teammates are encouraging to shoot more, rather than to make a hasty play and turning the ball over.
"I think the last couple of games he's been able to make plays, particularly with his jump shot," Smart said. "They're encouraging him and want him to play well but they want to see him and our team start getting better and playing well."
Chuck Hayes is hoping to make a return in Utah of his own.
The Kings center/forward has missed the last 11 games with a dislocated left shoulder but has been pain free after completing three straight full practices. Hayes said he believes his shoulder will feel fine Saturday morning and hopes his coach will let him play against the Jazz, who have two menacing and talented big-men in Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson.
"No I don't see myself saying, 'no I can't go'," Hayes said with a laugh, when asked if there was any way he would wake up and determine he can't go on Saturday.
Hayes said his biggest worry is the distraction caused by the protective brace he's had to wear on the shoulder. He said it's like a straight jacket and hope he won't have to wear it too long. He said is restricts him from extending too far and shortens his range of motion, but remains pain free.
Smart said he was awaiting word from the Kings medical staff to clear Hayes to play.
By Sean Cunningham, SCunningham@News10.net
Twitter: @News10Sean
News10/KXTV
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