The recent appointment of JJ Redick as the Lakers’ new head coach has attracted commendations and criticisms alike. Nonetheless, Redick remains undeterred by the skeptical voices.
Speaking candidly, Redick acknowledges the presence of doubters but also declares his indifference to their opinions. In his own blunt language (brace yourself), he asserted, “I don’t give a f***.”
A new meme is born, all thanks to @jj_redick pic.twitter.com/fXCpAkxEmZ
— HTB ♨️ (@HenryTheBlasian) June 24, 2024
When probed on his intentions to address any skepticism around his new role, Redick was forthright.
He said, “I’m fully aware of the chatter. These past weeks have been quite enlightening… Yet, I don’t feel the need to justify myself in response to your query, because I really don’t give a f***, to put it plainly. Coaching the Lakers is my goal, that’s where my focus is. I’m not here to dispel myths. My ambition is to excel as an NBA coach, to chase championships, and to help my players reach their highest potential. That is my sole concern.”
Throughout the press meeting, Redick employed wit, likely as a method to defuse the mounting media pressure.
Bro finds his lack of experience amusing 😭😭
“I have never coached in the NBA before”
JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/REsNqDqiCW
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 24, 2024
Some speculate that Redick was not the initial top pick, with the Lakers’ first choice allegedly University of Connecticut’s coach Dan Hurley. Yet Hurley reportedly declined the position.
“Dan Hurley is a twice-decorated national champion at UConn,” said Redick. “I, on the other hand, am a two-time champion of the Swish League for third and fourth graders. I get the comparison.”
Broadcast journalism students applying to ESPN in their senior year pic.twitter.com/aXJc28E8w3
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) June 23, 2024
Although lacking in traditional coaching credentials, the Lakers lineup has expressed strong belief in Redick’s ability to guide them citing his extensive experiences as an athlete, broadcaster, and podcaster.
“I may not have actual coaching experience in the NBA, but I consider myself well versed.”
JJ Redick points to the last three years of conducting podcast interviews, commentating on finals, dissecting gameplay, and interviewing for coaching roles as foundational experiences for coaching at the NBA level pic.twitter.com/aGsNdbUCrW
— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) June 24, 2024
The “Mind the Game” podcast series with LeBron James, extending over the past three months, prompted humorous suggestions that its episodes essentially served as Redick’s coaching job interview for the storied franchise.
The LeBron & Redick podcast was really just one long job interview 😭 pic.twitter.com/F0JjiObQqP
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 21, 2024
With the transition to coaching, Redick announced that his podcasting days are over, at least for the foreseeable future.
JJ Redick announces his podcasting hiatus now that he’s taken on Lakers’ head coaching duties.
“For now… I’m stepping away from the world of content creation. No more podcasts.”
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 24, 2024
Following his retirement from a noteworthy 15-year NBA career (2006-21), Redick moved on to become an ESPN commentator in 2021. The Duke alumnus has been recognized for his deep understanding of the game, which many Lakers fans hope will be reflected in team victories in the forthcoming 2024-25 season.
