When the Los Angeles Lakers opted to replace head coach Darvin Ham, JJ Redick emerged as an early choice and subsequently earned the job despite having no NBA coaching experience. The Lakers are taking their second bet in choosing a first-time head coach.
This is not to argue that Redick lacks education; he has launched popular podcasts and works as a commentator for ESPN. Regardless, the point remains that he must capitalize on a rapidly diminishing championship window, with LeBron James in his 22nd season and Anthony Davis nearing the end of his peak.
But when the decision to appoint Redick was made official, there was much of doubt about whether he would thrive as a head coach, particularly in a high-pressure setting like the Lakers. Shaquille O’Neal, a Los Angeles legend, expressed his reservations about this hire on The Big Podcast with Shaq.
“Oh, I knew the entire time, but first, let me say this. Because I wasn’t aware till late, but it seemed absurd that a guy with no experience can overshadow a player like Sam Cassell, who has been in the league for 15 years, this and that. So, no offense to JJ, but I believe Sam should be able to acquire the same looks. But I’m delighted for JJ; there’s a lot of pressure, and winning games isn’t enough. The expectation when you accept that position, the Miami Heat job, or any job with a lot of skill is to win championships.
What type of coach is he? I do not know. I saw something funny on Instagram that indicated he was an assistant coach for a Brooklyn fourth-grade girls’ team, which was his only coaching experience. As a player, if I didn’t respect the coach, I could easily turn down my 100%. Let me explain: I’m going to give you 100% regardless, but if I know we’re not going, hundreds are difficult to keep. That’s why when I played for someone like Phil Jackson, I already understood his resume because I’d sat there and watched him go to the Finals six times with Michael [Jordan] and win six of them.
So, if he says, “Stop doing this and do something else,” I’ll do it every time because he knows what he’s talking about. That’s why when I went to Miami, you play for a man like Pat Riley, he tells you to do something, you execute it, and it works because I understand the resume. For a person like me, who took all the blame when things went wrong, if you didn’t have championship experience and I could question you, it was always difficult for me to believe in you.”
O’Neal raises legitimate worries about Redick’s status as a first-time coach with no NBA experience. Getting buy-in from every player on the roster on Day 1 is critical to Redick’s success, as things may quickly go south if that is not the case.
Jaxson Hayes is excited to work with new head coach JJ Redick.
Head coaches must cultivate relationships with their players, and fortunately, JJ Redick already has one with Jaxson Hayes, with whom he played while with the New Orleans Pelicans. Hayes stated that he is pleased to work with his former colleague and current head coach, which is an intriguing dynamic.
