J.J. Redick's (Joke) Rap Release and His Latest Magic Return

J.J. Redick is back.

Not that he ever actually left the game of basketball, but Redick’s legendary hoops status has been on hiatus the past few seasons.

That’s all about to change.

Stan Van Gundy has to be happy now about keeping Redick on board, despite the fact that Van Gundy rarely used the former Duke legend at all the last three years or so.

Redick did get some extended playing time towards the end of last season and into the playoffs, and he really showed some signs of greatness.

But just about a week or so into the 2009-10 NBA season, Redick is truly on fire.

And the Orlando Magic aren’t looking too bad, either, sitting at 3-1 thus far.

Let’s take a quick look at Redick’s numbers through the last three games: in a win at New Jersey, the star guard scored 12 points in 29 minutes of action (along with five rebounds and two assists). In a big win at Toronto, Redick poured in 27 points (draining five threes on eight attempts) to go with five assists, six rebounds, and a steal in 45 minutes of playing time. In the latest game, a loss at Detroit, Redick still nailed three three’s and garnered 14 points in 40 minutes.

I must also take a brief moment to address Redick’s latest news regarding his so-called soon-to-be-released rap album.

After viewing the video feed of Redick discussing this topic, I personally believe this has to be a joke.

It sounds like something coming right out of HBO’s Entourage (Jeremy Piven, are you behind this??), and in my opinion, this has to be Redick and his buddies pulling the media’s leg.

Regardless of whether or not Redick releases a rap album (although as much as I love J.J., I would think he could rap about as good as Shaq can act), he’s definitely back in terms of his hardwood talent.

Not that it ever went anywhere: Redick has been able to drain three’s from nowhere land for quite some time.

It was just a matter of Redick getting that chance to shine.

So far, so good.

Keep up the great work, J.J., it’s great to see you finally getting a shot to prove you belong in the NBA. And tell Stan Van to give you more starts this season; you deserve it.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]