CHICAGO — Upstate New York’s Jimmer Fredette got a near standing ovation at United Center on Sunday when he checked in with 3:08 left, making his Bulls debut. He promptly drilled a 20-footer — the final indignity to the Knicks’ afternoon.
Mike Woodson said before the game the Knicks weren’t willing to wait on the Glens Falls sharpshooter, who became a free agent when he was released by the Kings last week, and instead signed Shannon Brown and Earl Clark with their open roster spots.
“We already made our moves with Shannon and Earl,’’ Woodson said. “Then [Jimmer] got released right after we made our moves. There really was no considerations there.’’
It was a polite way of saying the Knicks didn’t have interest — mostly because they were trying to add defense. It had already been reported Fredette would be released by the Kings.
Asked if the Knicks inquired, Fredette said, “Not too much that I’m aware of.’’
In his last two games, Brown has gone scoreless in 20 minutes, missing four shots.
Fredette was outspoken about wanting the Knicks to draft him in 2011 when he was coming out of Brigham Young, but he wasn’t available when the Knicks picked at No. 17. The Knicks instead grabbed Iman Shumpert.
Fredette wound up with Sacramento at No. 10 and a disappointing three-year stint came to an end with his buyout last week.
Fredette officially signed with the Bulls Sunday morning He was considered good enough for the Bulls and defensive guru, Tom Thibodeau.
“I don’t want to prejudge him on what he is defensively,’’ Thibodeau said Sunday. “He’s more than just a shooter.’’
Fredette was surrounded by close to two dozen reporters in the Bulls locker room, prompting a staffer to shout: “Did Jordan come back?’’
Fredette indicated Thibodeau was a reason he targeted the Bulls.
“I see how this team plays, they play hard every single night and play for each other,’’ he said.
Thibodeau was asked if he has a relationship with Carmelo Anthony. The Post has reported Anthony wouldn’t mind playing for the former Knicks assistant. “No but I respect him,” Thibodeau said. … Shumpert made his return to the lineup three days before his two-week timetable from a sprained MCL and struggled early on defense. He also continued to make no impact on offense (1 of 6, 3 points, 19:37). … Raymond Felton shot 2 of 10 for eight points. He’s 6 of 23 in the three games since his arrest for illegal gun possession. … In honor of the NBA’s celebration of Latino heritage, Knicks wore “Nueva York’’ on new shirt jerseys. … Bulls backup point guard D.J. Augustin outscored Anthony 23-21.