Inexperienced Lakers coach JJ Redick, who has already played, analyzed and hosted podcasts, claims his previous activities make him ready for his new role.
J. Redick, celebrating his 40th birthday yesterday, takes over from Darvin Ham, who was released in May after two seasons with the Lakers.
“I don’t have any NBA coaching experience, but I prove I have experience, and it started 22 years ago when I went to Duke and played for Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) for four years. After that, I spent another 15 years as an NBA player,” he said.
Redick mentions that the last three years spent as a podcaster and analyst at ESPN were essential to his coaching education.
“Being able to connect with the players, talk to them on the podcast, interview coaches for ESPN, analyze games in three different formats – that’s what made me ready to be an NBA head coach,” he said.
A reporter asked if Redick had heard any misconceptions or concerns about himself in recent weeks that he had to address during the interview process. Redick answered candidly.
“It’s a fair question, and yes, I’ve heard it all… But the fact is, I’m not really worried. I want to coach the Lakers. I want to lead this team. I’m not here to invalidate anything… I want to be an outstanding NBA coach.”
The man responsible for Redick’s hiring said he was on his list since the beginning.
“He has a unique take and philosophy on basketball and how it should be taught,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said at the press conference.
Pelinka added that he and Redick share a basketball philosophy based on high levels of strategy, effective communication and player development.
Redick wants Lakers star forward LeBron James to shoot more three-pointers after shooting 40% this season, but he has yet to talk to him.
“You have to get buy-in and talk to him about how he wants to play,” Redick said. “It’s about the halfcourt, putting him in different roles as a shooter and distributor in different positions.”
Redick co-hosts a basketball podcast with James. It remains to be seen whether he will get the chance to coach James, who has the option to extend his contract for another season or opt out in five days.
James has not yet made any public comments about his continued NBA involvement or his 22nd NBA year.
On April 30, James wrote on his social media platform: “I’ve heard a lot about my future. I said it last night and I want to say it again – I don’t know anything yet. I’m just looking to spend time with my family and friends!”
“When I have spoken to my family, my advisers and my representative, you will know.”
Redick sees Anthony Davis as the front man of the team for next season so that Davis’ skills can be optimized. He spoke with Davis about his roles on offense and defense around the week before.
“I think both of us have certainly been very comfortable focusing on making that the foundation for Davis’ role on this team,” Redick said.
The Lakers entrusted a coach with no NBA experience to lead the team earlier this year, not for the first time. In 1994, when the team was underperforming, Jerry Buss assigned Magic Johnson to coach the final 16 games, and he finished with a 5-11 record.
Earlier this month, UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley turned down the Lakers for their vacant head coaching position in favor of trying to win a third-round national title with the Huskies.
The Lakers offered the head coach of the defending back-to-back NCAA champion Huskies a six-year, $70 million contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Redick testified that he had no involvement in the Hurley negotiations.
“My ego or feelings were not hurt or bruised in any way,” he said. “Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn. I got it.”
The Lakers were eliminated in the final round of the playoffs in five games after being eliminated by the then-defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, for the second year in a row.
The Lakers currently own the 17th pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday.
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2024-06-26 01:09:53
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