June 20 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a fresh start after a disappointing 2023-24 season, and they’ve chosen an unexpected yet exciting new head coach. They announced on Thursday that J.J. Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran and ESPN analyst, will lead the team into the 2024-25 season. Redick, known more for his media presence than coaching, has agreed to a four-year contract and is in the process of assembling a team of assistant coaches.
Redick's entry into coaching is unconventional, as he has no prior experience in coaching at either the NBA or collegiate level. However, his significant contributions as an ESPN NBA commentator and his popular podcast "Mind the Game," co-hosted with Lakers superstar LeBron James, have made him a familiar and respected figure in the basketball community. This media career has played a pivotal role in bringing him into the coaching spotlight.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' vice president and general manager, highlighted Redick's impressive basketball IQ and his ability to connect with players as key reasons for his selection. Pelinka believes that with a solid team of assistant coaches, Redick’s transition to head coaching will be smoother, helping to bridge the gap created by his lack of direct coaching experience.
Interestingly, Redick’s appointment is not an isolated case in the NBA. There is a precedent for hiring head coaches with no previous experience. In 2020, the Brooklyn Nets brought on Steve Nash, who had been involved in developmental roles but had never held a full-time coaching position. Similarly, the New York Knicks hired Derek Fisher straight from his playing career in 2014, and the Nets did the same with Jason Kidd in 2013. These examples suggest that while unconventional, such hires can be successful.
Coaching the Lakers, however, is no small feat. The franchise has high expectations, especially after their 2020 championship win and reaching the 2023 Western Conference finals. With LeBron James nearing retirement, the pressure on Redick to perform is immense. The Lakers are keen to rebound from a lackluster season under former head coach Darvin Ham, who was dismissed after two seasons. Ham's tenure saw a 90-74 record and a mixed bag of success, including a Finals appearance in 2023 followed by an early exit in the first round of 2024.
Before settling on Redick, the Lakers had pursued University of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, offering a lucrative six-year, $70 million contract, but were unable to secure him. The search for a new coach had been intense, reflecting the team's determination to bounce back strongly.
Redick, despite being new to coaching, brings a wealth of on-court experience. During his NBA career, particularly his four-season stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, he averaged nearly 16 points per game. His time at Duke University also speaks volumes about his basketball prowess, where he was a two-time All-American and the 2005-06 Associated Press Player of the Year before being drafted in 2006.
The Lakers are banking on Redick’s deep understanding of the game and his analytical skills honed during his broadcasting career to translate into effective coaching. His ability to break down plays and strategies on television has often been praised, and there's hope that this will resonate with the players on the court.
In terms of his support staff, assembling a strong team of assistants will be crucial for Redick. These assistants will not only help in game strategies and player development but also in navigating the various challenges that come with an NBA coaching role. This approach aims to mitigate Redick's lack of experience by surrounding him with seasoned professionals who can provide guidance and support.
The move to hire Redick signifies a bold new direction for the Lakers. It's a mix of leveraging his basketball knowledge and media-savvy persona, which could bring a fresh dynamic to the team. His rapport with players, particularly with key figures like LeBron James, could foster a positive and motivating environment, crucial for a team aiming to reclaim its former glory.
To summarize, the Lakers' decision to appoint J.J. Redick as their new head coach is a fascinating blend of risk and reward. While he lacks traditional coaching experience, his extensive basketball knowledge, strong media presence, and ability to connect with players present a unique opportunity for the team. With high expectations and significant challenges ahead, Redick's journey as a head coach promises to be an intriguing story in the NBA landscape.
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