JJ Redick, a seasoned NBA player with 15 years of experience, has recently expressed interest in transitioning to coaching. According to sources, the Charlotte Hornets are considering Redick for their head coaching position.
After retiring from playing in 2021, JJ Redick has been active as an NBA analyst on ESPN and has launched a popular basketball podcast with LeBron James. Despite his prominent presence in the NBA, Redick lacks professional or college-level coaching experience.
The Hornets are searching for a new coach following Steve Clifford’s departure at the end of the season. They have already interviewed Lindsey Harding, head coach of the G League’s Stockton Kings, and considered NBA assistant coaches like Charles Lee from the Boston Celtics. Lee, who joined the Celtics this season after a decade with Mike Budenholzer’s coaching staffs in Milwaukee and Atlanta, is among the candidates being considered for the role.
JJ Redick shares Coach K’s harsh advice that brought him to reality
Redick admitted that his second season in the NBA was the hardest, and he had difficulties off the court despite his outstanding on-court play. He said in the podcast:
“For most of the season, I was a f*****g knucklehead and played well, but after experiencing severe depression, I started taking medications and visiting a therapist. As the season comes to an end, he forced me to report to work at eight in the morning for four Saturdays in a row.”
“So the season ends, for four straight Saturdays, he made me come in at 8 AM to meet with him. And in one of those meetings, he said to me, ‘We didn’t win a National Championship because you weren’t worthy of being a champion.’ That f*****g crushed me, and it changed my life. No coach could ever say that about me again.” Redick further said.
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