JJ Redick: From Duke Star to Potential Lakers Head Coach – A Journey of Talent, Struggles, and Redemption
In a surprising twist, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering JJ Redick, a former NBA player with no prior coaching experience, as their next head coach. While this decision has raised eyebrows, particularly given Redick’s relatively new post-playing career and his recent prominence as LeBron James’ podcast partner, it’s worth exploring why the Lakers might be making this bold move and whether Redick has what it takes to succeed in this challenging role.
The Lakers’ Dilemma
The Lakers’ coaching search has been fraught with rumors and speculation. Dan Hurley, one of the most successful college basketball coaches, was offered a contract, but it was only good enough to make him the sixth-highest-paid coach in the NBA. Clearly, the Lakers were not fully invested in luring Hurley, leaving an opening for someone like Redick, whom Lakers officials reportedly view as a “Pat Riley-like” prospect.
This comparison to Pat Riley, a five-time NBA champion coach and three-time Coach of the Year, seems audacious. But perhaps the Lakers see something unique in Redick—an unproven yet promising coaching talent who could mirror Riley’s unexpected rise from player to legendary coach.
Skepticism From the NBA World
Not everyone is on board with the Lakers’ vision. Former Lakers players and NBA analysts have been vocal in their doubts. Hall of Famer George Karl compared the idea to the start of a joke, remarking on Redick’s lack of coaching experience. Byron Scott, a former Laker himself, has expressed uncertainty, while Paul Pierce went so far as to suggest that the Lakers aren’t serious about winning if they’re truly considering Redick for the job. Even Colin Cowherd couldn’t resist commenting on Redick’s backward hat during a LeBron podcast appearance, suggesting that his look was far from fitting for an NBA head coach.
These criticisms, while perhaps harsh, are not without merit. Redick has no coaching background, and his quick ascension to such a prestigious position would indeed be unusual. Yet, those who know Redick’s journey understand that this isn’t the first time he has faced adversity or had to prove himself against overwhelming odds.
Redick’s Early Years: A Star in the Making
To understand why the Lakers might be interested in Redick, it’s essential to look at his past. Redick was a basketball prodigy, a dominant figure from a young age. At 5’6″ as an eighth-grader, he was a standout athlete in both basketball and baseball. Despite a broken thumb, Redick led his AAU team deep into a national tournament before flying home to pitch in the AAU National Baseball Championship, striking out 15 batters over eight innings.
As a senior in high school, Redick played through a painful heel injury, scoring 43 points in a state championship game despite being unable to walk the following day. His performance caught the attention of legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, and Redick’s clutch mentality became a defining trait.
Duke Days: A Taste of Failure and Rebound
At Duke, Redick initially thrived, scoring 15 points per game as a freshman and 16 as a sophomore. However, his collegiate career was not without its challenges. In the 2004 Final Four, Duke blew an eight-point lead to UConn in the final seconds. Redick, the go-to shooter, missed a crucial shot that could have sent Duke to the national championship.
Coach Krzyzewski didn’t sugarcoat Redick’s failure. Instead, he delivered a harsh critique, telling him he was “overweight, under-disciplined, and uncommitted.” This brutal honesty nearly derailed Redick’s career, as he spiraled into poor habits, including binge drinking and neglecting his fitness. But Redick found his way back with the help of Duke’s coaching staff, who put him on a regimented schedule and provided the support he needed to focus and regain his edge.
NBA Struggles: Almost a Bust
Despite being named college basketball’s Player of the Year, Redick’s NBA draft stock fell to 11th overall in 2006, with critics dismissing him as an overrated Duke system player. His early years in the NBA were rough. He struggled to find playing time with the Orlando Magic, even requesting a trade in his second season. However, an opportunity presented itself when two teammates were injured, allowing Redick to step up and show his value. By his fifth year, he was averaging double digits and receiving votes for Sixth Man of the Year.
Redick’s persistence paid off when he was traded to the Clippers in 2013, where he found his stride as one of the league’s best shooters, perfectly fitting into a system that thrived on spacing for Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Redick’s shooting prowess and tireless work ethic turned him into a vital role player, averaging 16 points per game and shooting 44% from beyond the arc during his tenure in LA.
Redick’s Work Ethic: The Key to Success
What sets Redick apart, and perhaps why the Lakers are so intrigued, is his legendary work ethic. Redick’s daily routine during the offseason involved taking 342 game-speed shots from seven spots on the floor, including three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and one-dribble pull-ups. He would end each session with 20 free throws. This meticulous approach to his craft not only extended his NBA career but also made him more valuable in his 30s than in his 20s—a rarity in the league.
Can Redick Succeed as a Head Coach?
The question remains: Is JJ Redick being set up to fail, or could he truly thrive in the Lakers’ head coaching role? His familiarity with LeBron James, work ethic, and basketball IQ make him a compelling candidate. However, the pressure of coaching a team like the Lakers, combined with the sky-high expectations, means that Redick would need to adapt quickly.
LeBron James has been known to wield significant influence over coaching decisions in the past, and his connection with Redick could be both a blessing and a curse. While their rapport may ease the transition, it also puts additional scrutiny on Redick. The last two Lakers coaches, Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham, had far more experience, and even they struggled under the weight of expectations in Los Angeles.
Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?
JJ Redick’s journey from a troubled Duke star to one of the NBA’s most respected shooters proves that he thrives under pressure and knows how to overcome adversity. The Lakers’ gamble on Redick could be a masterstroke if he can apply the same discipline, resilience, and work ethic that defined his playing career to coaching. Whether or not he succeeds, one thing is certain: Redick’s story has been, and will continue to be, anything but ordinary.
For Lakers fans, the hope is that Redick’s next chapter will add a new layer of success to his already fascinating career trajectory.
