Image Source: Instagram
[Saba Sports News] The Paris Games didn’t go as planned for Jimmer Fredette.
The U.S. men’s 3×3 basketball team was eliminated from the Olympics on Sunday with a 21-6 loss to the Netherlands, finishing pool play with a 2-5 record. Fredette missed the last five games due to a lower-body injury sustained against Poland early in the competition.
In an Instagram post after the team’s elimination, Fredette revealed he completely tore two ligaments in his adductor, requiring a six-month recovery.
“This is devastating as I’ve put two years into qualifying for the Olympics with my teammates,” Fredette wrote. Despite the setback, he expressed gratitude for representing his country and believes everything happens for a reason.
Fredette, 35, has had a successful career since leaving the NBA, including being named MVP with the Shanghai Sharks in 2017 and winning a Greek League championship with Panathinaikos in 2020. He joined the 3×3 circuit in 2022 and entered the Paris Olympics as FIBA’s No. 1-ranked 3×3 player.
Despite Fredette’s absence, Team USA secured two wins with efforts from teammates Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis, while Fredette helped coach from the sidelines. Although the outcome was disappointing, Fredette can be proud of his Olympic journey.