J.J. Redick: Orlando Magic Match Bulls Offer for Former Duke Star, JJ Redick

As long as Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy gives J.J. Redick considerable playing time next season, I have no problem with the former Duke star returning to Florida.

Redick has put in his time in the NBA, and he has proved his worth on numerous occasions.

Now, at the very least, Redick has a newly-signed three-year deal worth roughly $19 million after the Magic were forced to draw their hand—in one of many offseason moves that will absolutely shape the NBA next season and into the future.

And beyond the looming strike after the 2010-11 season (but that topic is for a different column on a different day).

Like I wrote in my first piece when Chicago originally offered Redick what many called an overpriced offer-sheet, I made the statement: It’s about time.

I still stick by the statement, whether Redick be playing in Magic blue or Bulls red.

Obviously, he’ll be returning the team that originally drafted him in the first round of the NBA Draft a few years back—and it’s also obvious that Orlando realized Redick is worth every penny of the current signed deal.

In that regard, I’d have to agree wholeheartedly with the Magic management: Redick absolutely IS worth six-plus million per season—if not more—and Orlando actually got a steal of a deal with the guard’s three-year re-signing.

Will the 2010-11 season finally be that “breakout” NBA year so many Duke and J.J. fans have been waiting for since Redick first donned that Orlando cap on draft day just a few years ago?

It’s bound to happen eventually.

Van Gundy began to realize Redick’s worth on the hardwood just a couple years ago, and he began using him even more last season.

Granted, Van Gundy has always made statements about how Redick runs his butt off in practices and has one of the biggest hearts on the team.

But now it’s time to stop the talking and prove it by giving Redick some playing time.

He’s been re-signed.

Now it’s time for Van Gundy and Orlando to deliver…

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