Boston Celtics: The best- and worst- case scenarios for Carsen Edwards’ career

Worst-Case Scenario: Jimmer Fredette

Jimmer Fredette is truly one of the most intriguing busts the NBA has seen in quite some time. In a game that is predicated on scoring, 3-point shooting and heavily dominated by athletic guards, you’d think Fredette would only thrive in a league such as this.

However, as we all know, this has not turned out to be the case.

Like Edwards, Fredette absolutely dominated on offense during his collegiate career. Averaging 18.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.6 boards per game on 46% shooting from the field and 39% shooting from deep the scoring guard established himself as one of the best scorers the NCAA had to offer during his time at BYU.

Upon coming into the league in the 2011 NBA draft, many viewed the point guard as one of the most underrated and talented prospects of his class. However, after just 2 1/2 years playing with the Sacramento Kings, Fredette underwhelmed tremendously and was ultimately bought out by the franchise.

From 2013 on, Fredette bounced around from team to team — Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and, most recently, the Phoenix Suns — and spent ample time playing in both the D-League [G-League] and overseas.

Both his stints in the Development League and while playing in China with the Shanghai Sharks (2016-18) seemed to be more kind to the point guard, as he averaged stat-lines of 21.2 points, five assists & 4.4 rebounds on 41% shooting from deep and 37.3 points, 4.9 assists & 7.6 boards on 40% shooting from 3, respectively.

When comparing this to his NBA stats of six points, 1.4 assists and one rebound on 37% shooting from deep through six seasons in the league, it’s clear as to where, and in what kind of setting, he managed to produce at his best.

Though it has only been in limited capacity, something concerning that has been apparent thus far into Carsen Edwards’ rookie season is that, like Fredette, he has performed at his best when it doesn’t actually matter — at least, not for his NBA team.

Through 29 games played with the Boston Celtics, the rookie guard has not made too much of an impact for this team. Averaging just under 10 minutes a game, Edwards is boasting stats of only 3.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and .3 steals on 31% shooting from the field and 31% shooting from downtown. He has recorded double-digit points in just 3 contests (all against bottom feeders such as the Knicks, Cavaliers and Wizards) and holds a box +/- of -4.9 so far on the season.

Due to his two-way rookie deal, the Boston Celtics have been able to send Edwards down to their G-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, from time to time in hopes of honing his skills for the future. Through 10 games with the team, it looks as though the young guard has absolutely shined in the environment, averaging 21.7 points, 5.3 boards, 3.4 assists and two steals per game (six of which were as a starter).

Look, I get it, it’s only his rookie season. Many players have stumbled out of the gate and ended up having fantastic careers.

However, like Jimmer, Edwards is an athletic scoring guard who dominated in college and has shown incredible struggles early on. Also like Fredette, Edwards has shown dominance away from an active NBA roster.

Jimmer Fredette is a super talented player who, while he’s excelled in many areas of the sport, never quite figured out how to piece it all together in the NBA. Carsen Edwards’ game, though not identical, is quite similar to that of Fredette’s.

Lets just hope the trajectory for the 21-year-old is a bit different.