After an interesting process with multiple potential candidates emerging, the Los Angeles Lakers have their next head coach. JJ Redick is preparing to take over the franchise, according to multiple reports, as his first head coaching job.
Redick’s only coaching experience was his son’s youth team, and he’s spent the last few years as an analyst for ESPN – including during this year’s NBA Finals. But the lack of experience on the sidelines is a reason some are concerned about Redick’s hiring.
His former head coach is firmly in his corner. Speaking with FOX Sports’ John Fanta, legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski – who reportedly helped with the Lakers’ search – explained why he thinks Redick is ready to take on the challenge.
“It’s electrifying,” Krzyzewski said when asked what comes to mind when he hears Redick’s name. “It’s exciting. JJ was one of the most unique players I’ve ever coached, whether it be at Duke or at the U.S. level, in that one, his belief in his ability was at the top. And he wanted to be in the moment. He was never nervous. Literally, I don’t think there’s ever been a better shooter – at least in the ACC – than JJ. He made my plays look great.
“There should be something more than the green-light because I gave him the next level of light. What he needed to do, he needed to always follow his instincts. And his instincts were to win, and his belief in his abilities never wavered.”
JJ Redick shined under Krzyzewski at Duke, winning two ACC Player of the Year awards and national college player of the year in 2006. He then headed to the NBA as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft and spent 15 years in the league before announcing his retirement in 2021.
As for what his message would be to those who don’t think Redick is ready to become the Lakers’ head coach, Krzyzewski said he wouldn’t have one. He argued Los Angeles wouldn’t make the move if it didn’t think Redick could handle it.
“I don’t say anything to them because what they say doesn’t make a damn bit of difference,” Krzyzewski said. “To think that any organization would hire anybody because of glamor or whatever is ridiculous. Every organization wants to win. If JJ gets a head coaching job, it’ll be because that organization believes that JJ is the best person, the best coach, to lead their organization. If as a competitor or coach, players, whatever, we worried about what people said, we’d go nuts. We should only worry about what we’re thinking and what our team is thinking about, and then, let’s go.
“Talk about what we’re doing, not what we might do, even what we did because you keep learning. That wouldn’t phase me at all, and hasn’t phased me in my own career. You can’t do things because of what people are saying. You have to do things because of what you believe in, and keep that well, tight-knit group that you have.”
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