Nov 10, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jimmer Fredette (32) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Six-Year NBA Veteran, Ex-Pelicans Player, Announces Retirement

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Terry Kimble | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 11:30 PM ET

Former New Orleans Pelicans guard Jimmer Fredette announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday. Fredette was a college star who parlayed his NCAA tournament run with the BYU Cougars to become a lottery pick for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011. He would quickly be traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night, where he began his career.

Fredette announced his retirement via his Instagram page, reflecting on his basketball journey. "Basketball has taken me all around this world: from Glens Falls NY, to BYU, the NBA, China, Greece, and even Team USA at the Olympics!" Fredette wrote.

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A post shared by Jimmer Fredette (@jimmerfredette_32)

After the NBA, he played overseas in China and Greece and was named MVP of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2017. Next, the former BYU star participated in the American National 3x3 team, leading the U.S. team to gold medals in 2022 and 2023. Fredette injured himself in the 2024 Summer Olympics and was forced to miss the remainder.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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