Former Kings player Jimmer Fredette gets candid on Team USA 3x3 experience ahead of Paris Olympics opening night

This summer, Jimmer Fredette will be representing Team USA in the 3-on-3 basketball portion of the Summer Olympics. Before the action gets underway, the former lottery pick opened up on what the experience has been like for him.

The Paris games will mark just the second time 3-on-3 basketball is held as an event. It was first introduced during the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) that took place in Tokoyo.

While speaking at a press conference ahead of the Olympics, Jimmer Fredette reflected on how grateful he is to represent his country.

"This has been an incredible experience already," Fredette said. "With all the things we've already been able to go out and do here in Paris. Obviously excited about the opening ceremony tonight. Excited to compete for the USA."

The 3-on-3 team has only four players on its roster. Aside from Fredette, those suiting up for Team USA are Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox and Dylan Travis. Similar to the men's team loaded with NBA superstars, this group will look to deliver the United States a gold medal.

In the last Olympics, Latvia took home the gold medal in this event. The team representing Russia was awarded a silver medal, with Serbia winning bronze.

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Breaking down Jimmer Fredette's basketball career

Jimmer Fredette first burst on the basketball scene in the early 2010s while playing in college at BYU. Despite only standing at 6-foot-2 his long-range shooting was something that hadn't been seen before at the time.

After averaging 28.9 points as a senior, Fredette ended up getting drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011. Shortly after being selected, he was dealt to the Sacramento Kings.

Jimmer Fredette hung around in the NBA for six years, never living up to the hype of being a top-10 pick. He bounced from team to team, suiting up for five different franchises. Aside from the Kings, Fredette played for the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns.

After playing in six games for the Suns in 2019, Fredette's NBA run officially came to an end. This resulted in him doing what most players do, going overseas to keep their careers alive.

Fredette ended up taking his talents to China, playing for the Shanghai Sharks. He'd have great success there, averaging as many as 37.6 points per game at one point. Fredettes biggest accomplishment overseas was scoring an astonishing 75 points in one game.

In 2022, Fredette made the transition to 3-on-3 basketball. He'd eventually get picked up by Team USA and play in various international tournaments. Now, the former lottery pick will be showcasing his talents on the Olympic stage.