We’re about a week away from the 2024 NBA Draft, but the Los Angeles Lakers still don’t have an official head coach. There are strong indicators that it will be JJ Redick, but the organisation has yet to make an announcement, prompting doubts about the hold-up.
This is especially shocking given that most people expected Redick to be named the next head coach after the NBA Finals ended on Monday night. Redick worked as a broadcaster, so it made sense to avoid distractions. However, now that it has been 48 hours, the lack of an official release raises questions.
The scenario may be getting even more difficult. According to a recent source, a new team is interested in hiring JJ Redick as its new head coach. According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, the Detroit Pistons are looking into Redick as a head coaching prospect.
NBA Rumours: The Pistons Are Interested in JJ Redick as Head Coach
REPORT: JJ Redick could be a name to monitor for the Pistons head coach position, according to @VinceGoodwill.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops), June 19, 2024.
The Detroit Pistons sacked their head coach, Monty Williams, on Wednesday. This came as a surprise given that Detroit’s season finished more than two months ago and Williams was only about to begin the second season of his six-year contract.
James Borrego and Redick are now regarded “names to watch” by league sources.
“James Borrego may be a player to keep an eye on, according to league insiders and ESPN analyst JJ Redick. Redick is currently a top candidate for the Lakers job, so it’s unclear how much traction Detroit may gain.
– Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
The Detroit Pistons have appointed Trajan Langdon as general manager. Redick and Langdon both attended Duke, and Redick signed with the New Orleans Pelicans while Langdon worked in the front office.
Even if the Lakers job appears to be more appealing than the Pistons job, this link may entice Redick to accept the Detroit position.
In addition, Detroit’s expectations for a first-time head coach will be significantly lower. The Pistons have not won more than 23 games in any of the last five seasons, and they have been the NBA’s worst club for the past two years. Redick will have the opportunity to make his impact on a youthful, developing club while also benefiting from starting at the bottom.
However, the talks between the Lakers and Redick are likely too far advanced. The Pistons making enough progress to entice Redick at this moment appears doubtful, but not impossible.
