Dr. Jimmer, Mr Fredette

One of the great things about literature, specifically fiction, is that you can develop characters to better explain disorders, traits, character, flaws, etc, something that Robert Louis Stevenson managed to work in his favor with the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In the book, the main character, Dr Jekyll creates a potion that transforms him into his alter ego, a vicious bloke he calls Mr Hyde. While Jimmer Fredette does not necessarily mirror the character in Stevenson's novel, the argument for whether or not the Utah Jazz should select him with the pick most certainly does. Just like an Oreo, there are two sides to every point FOR or AGAINST the Glens Falls Phenom.

1. Fredette would create a stir, both economically and attention-wise for the Jazz.

No doubt there would be a lot of eyes cast in the direction of the Utah Jazz, mostly due to the national interest in Jimmer and how his game will translate into the league. The Jekyll side of this is simple, more attention means more promotion for a franchise that has been more reliable, consistent, and arguably successful than almost any other in the league, both in and out of Utah, The nation fell in love with Jimmer, people would be tuning in. The downside? After losing Jerry Sloan and Deron Williams both mid season, the last thing the organization needs is more hype and distraction. Not to mention that Jimmer would take attention away from second year player Gordon Hayward, who in many eyes became the unofficial face of the franchise in the last few games, possibly causing a loss of confidence in the sharpshooter from Butler, and most definitely causing a conflict of interest regarding who to promote more, an element the Jazz would rather not deal with. Economically, the effect of selling a few more jerseys would be negated by the amount of money winning a conference finals, or, perish the thought, an NBA Finals would net you. In short, the best way Jimmer can make the Jazz money is to help them win games. Period.

2. Jimmer's ability to score, and the need for solid outside shooting.

This debate has been argued to death here locally. Yes, he can shoot at an elite NBA level, and even I can concede that he will be able to create his own shot and "get his" at the NBA level. His size would most likely prevent him from being a starter, but as Jason Terry proves regularly, sixth men in the NBA can be just as valuable. The Hyde Side of Jimmer is just as publicized, below average defense, something I'm sure he'll improve on as much as his body will allow, and the questions as to whether his game translates into the Jazz system, and if he will be able to adjust it accordingly, not to mention how his teammates will respond to him jacking up 35-footers.

3. Jimmer the Teammate

His boys from BYU stand by him like the Spartans did with Leonidas, as do his USA teammates, BYU fans, sports announcers, etc. In fact, the only people who don't seem to like him are Utah fans and Rick Reilly, the latter for reasons still unknown to this particular writer, but there's always the chance....aw hell. This is pointless. He'll get along fine with Gordon, Pogo Evans, and Favor Flave. The guys are all so similar in that they all want to win, and all pretty much live in the gym. Every team has their ups and downs, but c'mon, who could hate seeing Fredette walking around in a pink backpack all season? Put your hand down, Mr. Reilly.

4. Is he the right pick?

This is a weird draft. Half the time I'm 100 percent sold that Brandon Knight is the best pick, some days I mull over trading the pick for Derrick Williams, and some days I just feel like bigger is better, meaning Enes Kanter. Bottom line is if you take Knight at three, you REALLY have to be convinced that Jimmer is the best player left on the board, and that you can find minutes for Raja Bell, Brandon Knight, CJ Miles, Gordon Hayward, Devin Harris and Jimmer at the 1, 2, and possibly three spot if you decide to go small, not to mention that you have players like Chris Singleton or Alec Burks that fill other needs you have. Second to this is the fact that no one knows for sure if Jimmer can play starter minutes in the NBA, and if you aren't convinced, are you willing to draft a bench player at 12? The possibility of someone like Bismack Biyombo sliding to 12 also throws a wrench into your plans. Best case scenario for the Jazz is this; taking either Knight, Vesely, or Kanter at three, and the Kings take Jimmer with seven, Charlotte with nine, or the Bucks at 10, and you never have to deal with the question. Bottom line is this, with Fredette on the board at 12, do you want to be the guy who passes him up, giving him a chip on his shoulder against you? Chances are if you did that, Dr Jimmer just might go into Mr Fredette mode every time he plays you. That right there is a scary thought.