JJ Redick Wants the Starting Role

The Chicago Bulls offered J.J. Redick a three-year $19 million deal that was eventually matched by the Orlando Magic. It was hard to let go such promise. A deadly shooter who has the perfect shooting touch and a consistent scoring machine from the bench, Redick is an impact player and Orlando needs him more than ever.

If you ever recommend something to your children about shooting the basket, you should definitely let them watch J.J’s video. He has that textbook form with great balance and extension, nice release, and a perfect follow-through.

But as perfect as his shot was, he was only a shell of himself when he played in the NBA. He was already a mark man long before he wore that blue and white uniform. He struggles on long and athletic defenders, and his defense was already a suspect since his college days. So Redick found himself spending more time in the bench, but it wasn’t about his defense or inconsistencies; it was just all about opportunity.

Back then he had to battle it out with Grant Hill, Trevor Ariza, and Keith Bogans, and as those guys went to different teams he now serves as a backup to Vince Carter or Mickael Pietrus in the wing.

A three-year deal with a $19 million contract is a breath of fresh air for JJ. A new start with a new contract, JJ has a goal to accomplish, and that is to start as the Magic’s starting guard. As of the moment it’s Vince Carter’s place, but Carter’s contract is nearing to an end next season. With Orlando’s already deep luxury tax, it looks like Carter will be shopping for a different team.

Redick still has a year to prove that he has what it takes to be the Magic’s starting guard, and he is more than ready to take that challenge…just like his dead-eye shooting.

It was never the perfect textbook shot, and it took him years of experience and observation. He was in the eighth grade when he injured his left wrist, and practiced one-handed shooting. When he was used to shooting one-handed shots after his left wrist was healed, he developed his shot using his left hand for guide for keeping the ball in place.

It has been four years as he continues to go through the rigid environment of the NBA, and each year is a learning experience for him. He was once the most feared shooter in college, and step by step Redick is slowly back in form. He knows what he wants, and a starting role is just like his perfect shot...it took years and a lot of hardwork to develop.