Each year the NBA draft produces a handful of surprise picks and some wheeling-and-dealing that GMs apparently get suckered into (see Thomas, Isiah). And sometimes those circumstances lend to fitting square pegs into round holes.
This seems to be the case for JJ Redick, the rarely-used shooting guard for the Orlando Magic.
For Redick, one of the best nights of his life quickly turned into a situation unlike any he has faced in his basketball career.
He couldn’t get on the court.
In fact, for two years, Redick has been sitting on the bench in Orlando.
And for two years, Redick has been asking for everyone to politely let him leave.
In Redick’s first year, the Magic’s head coach was Brian Hill, who was brought back in to bring strong defensive principles, discipline, and “stability.” Unfortunately for Hill, nobody told him the plans had changed after they hired him.
Needless to say, Redick didn’t fit into Hill’s style of play—and other than a few games of mop up minutes, Redick rarely played in his rookie season.
So when Hill was run out of town (for the second time), and Billy Donovan was named the new head coach, Redick was beaming with optimism.
Just as Donovan watched Redick tear up record books at Duke for four years, Redick watched Donovan convert a lightly recruited six-foot shooting guard (Lee Humphrey) into one of the most lethal weapons in the nation—both as a shooter and on-the-ball defender.
It was the match Redick longed for, and playing time was right around the corner.
But the marriage didn’t last long, as Donovan had a change of heart and decided to head back to the college game.
Making matters worse for Redick was that the Magic’s Plan B was Stan Van Gundy, who does not exactly share the same playbook as Donovan.
And so the Redick saga continued.
Coming from the old-school Pat Riley lineage, Van Gundy—like Hill—preaches defense, defense, defense. And while the Magic have made significant improvements, Redick continues to sit on the pine game after game.
Listening to GM Otis Smith talk about Redick, it is clear (at least from a publicity standpoint) that the Magic are not interested in trading Redick. Smith and Van Gundy both say Redick has the qualities needed for NBA success: potential, work ethic, and—most importantly—that trademark textbook jumpshot.
But if the Magic haven’t committed to playing Redick yet, what exactly is going to change next year, or the year after that, to make them trust Redick?
I certainly can’t question Van Gundy’s approach. The guy clearly knows what he is doing and is a proven NBA head coach. But sometimes the idea of surrounding one of the most dominant centers in Dwight Howard with Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, and Redick seems like a pretty good plan.
Magic fans seem to want the same thing, chanting Redick’s name in home games. Clearly, Orlando fans want to see if Redick can compete in the NBA.
If Redick stays on the Magic, however, that may never happen.
Playing in front of him are NBA-known commodities (aka Van Gundy favorites) and hustle guys or defensive specialists: Maurice Evans, Keith Bogans, and Keyon Dooling, who plays the point and shooting guard.
When the Magic beat the Cavs on April 5th, their playoff spot was locked in at number three. Since then, they have not been able to move up or down.
Yet Redick still sits.
In the three games since clinching their playoff spot, Redick has played a total of three minutes. Against the lowly Knicks and Timberwolves, Redick did not see the floor. In a blowout of the Bulls last night, Van Gundy gave Redick a whole three minutes of glory.
In 80 games this season, Redick has racked up 48 DNP-CDs.
Like the rest of the nation, I am not a Duke fan. But I want to see Redick get on the court. I want to see if he can succeed on the NBA level.
Play him or trade him, but in any case: Free JJ.
Comments (34) Add a comment »
from 29 days ago
I think as a Magic fan you're missing the greater point. Redick is on the bench, and your team is headed to the playoffs. Redick succeeded at Duke because Coach K's offense was double hi-screen Redick and let him shoot whatever, whenever he wanted. He was helped as well because teams could hardly contain Williams inside.
Now in the NBA, you mean to tell me Stan Van is going to say, "Forget Peja, Lewis, Howard, Turkoglu, and Dooling, let's screen to get Redick his shot!" ? That will never happen. And if record is any indication of success in strategy... it shouldn't happen either-- at least on the Magic.
from 29 days ago
When did Peja join the Magic?
from 28 days ago
"Forget Peja, Lewis, Howard, Turkoglu, and Dooling, let's screen to get Redick his shot!" ? "
He never said Orlando should run their offense through Redick, just give him a chance when the game matters. You don't draft someone in the lottery and not play them. If they aren't going to play him then they are wasting their money on first round talent by sitting him. Redick was picked 11th overall in 2006. You are only hurting yourself by not giving him a chance. Redick is the all-time leading scorer in ACC history, so he can fill it up. Give the guy a chance. Someday he'll be winning three point contests like it's going out of style, mark my words. Peja plays for New Orleans anyway so nice try.
from 29 days ago
J.J. Redick is a good player. He can shoot and he can be successful in the NBA. I just don't think that you can replace proven players with someone who has yet to pay there dues in game situations. His time will come, whether being traded or as a someone moving up in Orlando, he will get a chance.
from 29 days ago
Guys like Maurice Evans might be gone next year, so yeah playing time will open up for him to get a shot.
from 29 days ago
I think you missed the point of the article, Rob, and I'm not a Magic fan.
I think he should be playing now because nothing is on the line. Let the kid get some threes off.
However, the title is called "Free JJ Redick," as in trade him to someone who will actually play him. Plenty of teams would like to use Redick's jumpshot. As it is, he is just wasting away on the bench behind average players.
Didn't realize Peja was playing for the Magic these days.
from 29 days ago
The same can be said in Golden State for Marco. The guy can shoot. Unfortunately there aren't enough minutes to go around for him. Marco can shoot, he dropped 36 or something in summer league (yeah summer league isn't the biggest thing in the world, but he can put the biscuit in the basket).
But he can't play defense, which is something JJ suffers at as well. But for Marco there are a few guys named Monta, Baron, and Stephen who all play 40+ minutes a night. Just wait till next season and see what happens, its too late to be complaining about minutes for a guy with the season almost over.
from 28 days ago
I have a few names to give you guys right here. First off I am a UNC fan so I am not a biased Dukie that is a Redick-lover. However, you have to respect someone who can shoot like he does. When he was at Duke, the majority of the three's he hit were beyond NBA range. The magic have a dominant big man in Howard and other three point threats so if you bring Redick in the game for 15-25 minutes a night that will open up your offense. He is also one of the greatest free throw shooters in the history of college basketball so late in games when teams are fouling he should be in there to go to the line and knock down clutch free throws. As much as I disliked him in college, you can't deny his ability. Let him play, or let him go.
Good read man.
from 28 days ago
I have a few names to give you guys right here. Firsty off I am a UNC fan so I am not a biased Dukie that is a Redick-lover. However, you have to respect someone who can shoot like he does. When he was at Duke, the majority of the three's he hit were beyond NBA range. The magic have a dominant big man in Howard and other three point threats so if you bring Redick in the game for 15-25 minutes a night that will open up your offense. He is also one of the greatest free throw shooters in the history of college basketball so late in games when teams are fouling he should be in there to go to the line and knock down clutch free throws. As much as I disliked him in college, you can't deny his ability. Let him play, or let him go.
Good read man.
from 28 days ago
Marcus-
That makes a ton of sense. As a Duke fan I always questioned Redick's ability to make the transition into the NBA - for exactly the same reasons others have already mentioned - Duke's offense was geared toward Redick. But with Howard inside everything could open up outside for Redick to knock down some shots.
from 28 days ago
I appreciate the comments, Marcus.
from 28 days ago
J.J. Redick is known only for one thing: his jump shot. he doesnt have a very good inside game and he doesnt get to the basket which makes him ineffective in the point guard spot right now. now if he continues to learn from his teachers (the point guards that play in front of him) then maybe in the future he will be dangerous but as of right now he's only a jump shooter
from 28 days ago
oh i forgot to mention...i do agree with tim on not playing Redick right now. the magic have locked in there play off spot so why take a chance on injuring your star guards and why not play redick. it gives him expirence and helps him work on his game
from 28 days ago
There is a lot of stuff that you guys don't see that happens in the locker room and behind closed doors.
I've covered about twenty Magic games in the past three years and while Redick is a talented shooter and still has some potential, his attitude is a big reason he's clashed with both Brian Hill and Stan Van Gundy. Both of those coaches say all of the right things to the media but from what I've seen, they don't like Redick.
I remember in my first interview with JJ, I asked him if he was happy in Orlando. "No, I'm not happy. I don't play and I'm not given a chance to help the team so no, I'm not happy right now." I stood there with shocked that a player could be so blunt. I was used to the Jameer Nelson's and Grant Hill's of the league, the guys who always say the right thing and have the same generic quotes. Redick is very blunt and I'm pretty sure he's expressed his anger with the coaches.
Redick was the man in college and I'm sure he came into the NBA thinking he was some sort of star. I wouldn't be surprised if his ego rubbed Brian Hill and SVG the wrong way because there is definitely something more to this situation.
from 28 days ago
So why not trade him then?
from 28 days ago
Beats me. Maybe Otis couldn't get anything for him. Also, the general manager may not see things the same way the coach does.
from 28 days ago
Not sure the "JJ has a bad attitude" theory plays out, Alex. I think we can find plenty of guys who are not exactly good people (both in college and pro, in all sports), and somehow they find their way to the court, field, etc.
It's the NBA: Everyone has an ego.
I'd just like to see him play out West with a team that gets up and down the floor and shoots threes and doesn't worry about playing defense 48 minutes a game.
from 28 days ago
I guarantee he could get something for Redick. If they are worried about getting "equal value" for him they shouldn't worry because right now I am of the same value to the Magic as Redick is. Put Redick in a situation where he has a chance to contribute and see what the kid can do. Maybe he doesn't say all the right things but just because he's not a star doesn't mean he can't say what he feels. All summer long Kobe Bryant flip-flopped on being traded and continued to call out ownership and his teammates. I want to see what Redick has to offer the NBA. There are plenty of teams with veteran players that would be more fit to play Stan Van Gundy's style.
from 28 days ago
unless JJ is freed to go play overseas, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for him to receive meaningful minutes. he had a great career in college and was a great shooter, but he is hardly the first such player whose skills do not translate at all in the NBA. he is undersized, can't defend either guard position, and can't create his own shot. other than that, he's got a lot going for him. i'm sure he can still knock down open 3s, but the second he comes on the court, he becomes a glaring weakness - majority of teams will go right at him. you can live with such a player if he is a superior offensive player - but in the NBA, redick will never be such an offensive player.
from 28 days ago
He's still being punished for that DUI.
That's my take.
from 28 days ago
redick is basically kyle korver except a a little better of a shooter (although not yet proven in the nba). So redick should be a very good 6th man option for his creer nothing more. yea he can definitely crack the starting lineup in the right situatiion but he just seems like an excellent role player given the right situation which apparently is not in orlando. the other problem is that he is a lot slower than people realize which is a major reason that keeps on the bench. When the sixers got rid of korver their fast break started to thrive even more so and actually put them in the position to make the playoffs (who cares though i want a championship which wont happen with this team).
from 28 days ago
Korver's better though because Korver is slightly more athletic and actually has a post game. Redick has no other skill besides moving without the ball and shooting.
from 28 days ago
I wouldn't mind seeing him gone. Send him to the Lakers! Sorry, just send him to my favorite team!
from 28 days ago
I hate duke and when redick was there, i hated him too, now i feel sorry for him. he should be able to play more. the kid is a competitor. you could tell watching him at duke, he wanted to win, he would do whatever it took.
i don't think it's accurate to say he can't create his own shots, b/c i have seen him do it, and he did it a lot. probably not now against nba defenders, but give him some playing time, let him adjust his game, and he will be able to soon.
also, you don't really need to get to the basket when you can shoot like JJ. even if he doesn't just knock down three's, take a few dribbles, and pull up for a jumper, or cut away and make a pass.
At this point in any lottery picks career, they are either a bust and terrible, or have managed to fit into some role on the team. JJ isn't a bust, b/c no one knows if he sucks b/c he doesn't play. and his role hasn't been identified b/c the coaching staff doesn't let him do anything
from 28 days ago
I watched J.J. play in high school and college and he has been treated unfairly in not being given the playing time that he so deserves......when he is out on the court ........he produces!!! 5 minutes of playing time and he scores 5 points a minute......I believe that has the potential of producing when he is on the court. In high school he average 40 points a game...........it it time for someone to recognize what J.J. can really do and he needs to be able to go somewhere else to show what he can do. It has been Orlando Magics LOSS!!!!!!!!
from 28 days ago
It is a very bad situation for him. the magics are winning and they look good going into the playoffs so no1 is gonna ???? van-gundy but after the 5th of april nothing but meaningless games!!!!!! come on give the kid a chance.
I am a miami heat fan and i am sure that the heat could use his abilities to make jump-shots. if you have no interest in the guy, if he does not fit in your team do the right thing and let him go, do not take time away from his pro career. i feel for him, i can only imagine the level of frustration he feels. hang in there dude, you will get your shot.
from 27 days ago
JJ Redick sighting last night in a win over the Hawks: 12 minutes, 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 fouls (?).
From the Orlando paper:
"Redick, frustrated with his lack of playing time, requested a trade early this season. GM Otis Smith now says he doesn't rule out dealing Redick this summer but would prefer he remain patient and stay with a promising team."
from 27 days ago
Didn't JJ and Otis talk about this?
http://tinyurl.com/4bbrbw
from 27 days ago
This site is blocked by the Content Filter.
URL: http://tinyurl.com/4bbrbw
Reason for restriction: Forbidden Category "Hacking/Proxy Avoidance Systems"
I appreciate the tiny url, but apparently my employer does not.
from 27 days ago
Let's try this then...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shocking-dialogue-J-J-Redick-requests-a-trade?urn=nba,64577
from 27 days ago
Now that is funny. Very funny.
"Just JJ is fine."
Please post those regularly.
from 27 days ago
Google "Shocking dialogue." There's a whole host of them on there. Don't think Dwyer does it anymore. Word for word, Dwyer's easily the best writer about the NBA.
from 24 days ago
I'm with you...however, a few players (including Keyon Dooling) will come off the books next year, opening doors for Redick to play.
READ THIS: http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2008/02/05/redick_magic/
from 24 days ago
Good stuff...thanks for the link. They seemed to overlook Keith Bogans, though...
Is anybody else from the backcourt in the last year of a contract? Even if Dooling goes, I would still see Evans and Bogans getting the minutes Redick would want. Dooling bounces back and forth between the 1 and 2, so it's kind of difficult to say he's competing straight up with Redick.
Let me know; I don't know Orlando's cap space/free agent info...
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