Jimmer Fredette, the upstate New York sharpshooter, fulfilled “a dream’’ Monday, officially signing a 10-day contract with the Knicks and being activated for their game against Toronto. Whether Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis has any visions of playing Fredette — other than in garbage time — remains to be seen.
Fredette debuted in the final two minutes and promptly hit a 3-pointer in the Knicks’ 122-95 loss.
In a telling remark, interim coach Kurt Rambis said, “A lot of that [decision to sign him] comes from management, too.’’
It definitely didn’t come from a Carmelo Anthony recommendation. Anthony called him “Jimmy” Saturday night and didn’t indicate the signing would make an impact.
That hasn’t deterred Fredette’s buoyant mood or the joy from his cult following that dates to when he was a scoring machine at BYU.
Fredette hails from Glens Falls and is a media darling in the Capital region.
“I’m super excited about it,’’ Fredette said before the game. “Something you dream about as a kid. I did, especially being from upstate New York, being able to watch MSG and all the great teams they had. It’s a dream come true. Hopefully I can provide a spark in any way they want me to, try to be the best teammate I can be.’’
Fredette essentially is on a 10-day tryout. The former lottery pick always had fared well against the Knicks, notching four double-digit performances. In his last Garden appearance, in February 2014, he struck for 24 points.
“You got to go out there and not worry about the pressure,’’ Fredette said. “Just play free. It’s an opportunity and chance to show your skills. You hope to stay around as long as you can. Ten days is far away from now.’’
Rambis seemed to throw cold water on the notion Fredette is earmarked for the rotation and said before the game there were “no plans’’ to get him minutes against Toronto after having just one shootaround with the club.
Though Fredette ran the triangle offense in Westchester, Rambis has enough wrinkles in the system that he’s been huddling with the assistant coaches since Sunday night going over tape.
“He’s not going to displace someone who’s played all year and has worked hard in practice,’’ Rambis said. “He’s got to be keyed in to where everyone’s supposed to be. I’m not sure he’s there yet.’’
Rambis also noted he doesn’t consider the 6-foot-1 Fredette’s position as a point guard in the NBA. Hence, Rambis said he could find himself in some defensive mismatches.
“He’s basically an off-guard in this league,” Rambis said. “He’s going to have to use his speed and quickness against someone who’s a lot taller and stronger.
“He’s had some good offensive nights, there’s also nights he struggled shooting the basketball. He’s had some moments in this league. He is someone who can shoot the ball. If there’s a time we need that versatility, floor spacing, somebody very aggressive offensively, it might be something we use.’’
Please, Kurt, curb your enthusiasm. Indeed, Fredette’s mysteriously large coterie of fans seem a lot more excited than the Knicks coaches. Part of this decision to sign Fredette also stems from public relations — promoting their D-League franchise and showing it works in developing players. Fredette, after being cut in the preseason by San Antonio and then by New Orleans in November, had been playing for Westchester.
Asked about his big fan following, Fredette said: “I appreciate all the attention and media and fans that come along with this. I know it’s not going to be like this forever. I’m appreciative of everything that’s happened to this point.’’
Because the Westchester club ran the triangle, Fredette’s transition would be easier than, say, former 76ers point guard Tony Wroten, who was waived in January.
“The learning curve for a 10-day contract, I feel pretty comfortable with it,’’ Fredette said. “There’s a lot to the triangle offense.’’
Fredette’s parents made the trek down the Thruway for the game. Asked about his Garden excellence, Fredette said: “I don’t necessarily know, but I always like coming back to my home state to play. And to play at the Garden is always a great time, amazing atmosphere, great fans and being able to play in front of family and friends is always a perk.’’