A New Head Coach With No Experience? What?
Former NBA shooting guard JJ Redick was announced as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, stepping into a role with no prior coaching experience in the league. Redick, who turned 40 the same day, succeeds Darvin Ham, who was let go in May after two seasons with the team.
Redick, a former Duke player under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, spent 15 years playing in the NBA across six teams. After retiring, he transitioned to media, working as a podcaster and an analyst for ESPN. Redick emphasized that his recent work, which included talking to players on his podcast, interviewing coaches, and analyzing games, provided him with valuable preparation for his new role as a head coach.
“I don’t have a problem with him thinking it, saying it is a little bit of an interesting situation because he didn’t realize at the time that he was being simulcast on radio and TV.” – Rachel Nichols on JJ Redick dropping f-bombs pic.twitter.com/b4Mn4SSIDA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 25, 2024
During a press conference, when asked about any misconceptions during the hiring process, Redick candidly dismissed concerns about his lack of coaching experience. He expressed a strong desire to focus on his role and develop into a great coach, stating his commitment to leading the Lakers without getting distracted by external doubts.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, expressed that Redick was always a top candidate for the job. He highlighted Redick’s unique basketball philosophy, strategic approach, and emphasis on player development as key reasons for his hire. Pelinka and Redick share similar views on basketball strategy and communication, which influenced the decision.
Yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced former NBA player and basketball analyst JJ Redick as the team’s new head coach. For the past few years, though, he’s become most known for something very different: hosting a podcast. @justinjbariso https://t.co/K8438EbWFM
— Inc. (@Inc) June 25, 2024
One of Redick’s early priorities as coach is to adjust the play of Lakers star LeBron James, particularly to increase his three-point shooting following a season where James shot over 40% from beyond the arc. Redick noted the importance of collaborating with James to align on the playing strategy, acknowledging the need to place him in roles that maximize his scoring and facilitating capabilities.
However, it remains uncertain whether Redick will have the opportunity to coach James, who is days away from deciding whether to exercise a contract option or leave the Lakers next season. James has not publicly committed to his plans but has expressed his current focus on spending time with his family.
Redick also plans to utilize Anthony Davis as a central figure in the team’s strategy for the upcoming season. He recently discussed with Davis about his offensive and defensive roles, aiming to use him as the “hub” of the team to leverage his talents more effectively.
Our @MaggieGray was NOT impressed with head coach JJ Redick’s introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Lakers 👀 pic.twitter.com/B0uiOJ1xkt
— Maggie and Perloff (@MaggieandPerl) June 25, 2024
The Lakers’ decision to hire Redick follows a history of unconventional coaching choices, recalling when Magic Johnson took over coaching duties for the final 16 games of the 1994 season without prior experience. More recently, the Lakers had pursued Dan Hurley for the coaching role, but he chose to remain with UConn. Redick expressed no resentment over the Lakers’ interest in Hurley, humorously comparing his own modest basketball achievements to Hurley’s success.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft, holding the 17th selection, Redick’s appointment marks a new chapter for the team, focusing on strategic growth and player development under his leadership.
Key Points:
i. JJ Redick, former NBA player and ESPN analyst, has been named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, replacing Darvin Ham.
ii. Redick, who celebrated his 40th birthday on the day of his introduction, has no previous coaching experience in the NBA.
iii. During his announcement, Redick emphasized his extensive basketball experience from Duke University and his years in the NBA as preparatory for his new role.
iv. Lakers VP of Basketball Operations, Rob Pelinka, cited Redick’s unique basketball philosophy and strategic approach as reasons for his hiring.
v. Redick plans to focus on adjusting the playing style of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, aiming to maximize their effectiveness on the court.
Ben Tito – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
