Reactions To The JJ Redick Hire

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Duke legend JJ Redick as head coach despite his lack of any coaching experience and needless to say, the decision has led to much debate and discussion.

The great Dick Vitale posted on X Thursday, saying that he had a lot of respect for Redick and thought that it would be a good idea if he hired some experienced assistants (among his candidates apparently is former NBA head coach Scott Brooks). He’s also considering Rajon Rondo, a former NBA player who gets a lot of respect for his basketball smarts and former Florida State player and long time NBA guard Sam Cassell, who is also widely respected.

Redick’s college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, had some strong comments in Redick’s defense, saying this: “He understands the game, he understands the guys playing the game – where you have empathy for every other player – and he understands people. He develops trusting relationships with people. When he says something, there’s no BS. It’s the truth. If a player trusts you, and you can tell him the truth the whole time, you’re going to have a better player playing for you. He knows the game, he knows how to teach the game and he [will] know how to surround himself with complementary coaches. He’s smart enough to know he’s not going to do it alone, so you’re going to have not just outstanding players, but outstanding assistants. He will build a culture that’s conducive to winning and going for it on a day-to-day basis.”

There is more in this article from Mike Cragg, Chris Collins and former Tar Heel John Henson.

Kendrick Perkins thinks that the Redick hire could lead Anthony Davis to demand a trade and that wouldn’t necessarily be all bad. Davis is 31 and has a checkered injury history. Moving him now for picks might get solid assets for a diminishing return that the Lakers could build a new future on.