Source: Sacramento Bee

"Aggression" was the buzzword for Jimmer Fredette during the offseason.

The Kings wanted to see the guard rebound from a rookie season in which he looked timid offensively.

But aggression wasn't to be limited to offense, and Fredette has responded, showing more fight on defense at the start of training camp, surprising coaches and teammates.

"I want to be able to stay on the floor as much as I can," Fredette said. "And to be able to do that for coach (Keith) Smart, you've got to play defense and be in the right spot at the right time. I think I can do that."

There were doubts Fredette could after he struggled defensively as a rookie. It was a concern about him entering last year's NBA draft, and he looked overmatched at times in his first season.

With Fredette struggling on offense and a nonfactor on defense, it was hard for him to earn playing time. He understood that to emerge in a crowded backcourt, his defense had to be better.

To improve the NBA's worst defense from last season, Smart is requiring guards to be more aggressive against opposing ballhandlers, and Fredette hasn't embarrassed himself.

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