NBA Journey
JJ Redick spent 15 years as an NBA sharpshooter, known for his precision from beyond the arc and his savvy basketball IQ. Redick rose to prominence off the court as a podcaster, captivating audiences around the globe through his show, "The Old Man and the Three." Redick's podcast featured interviews with several significant figures around the NBA, providing insights and stories that fans couldn't get enough of. This talent for engaging conversation and insider perspectives propelled his podcast to popularity, solidifying his place as a voice in the NBA community.
In March, Redick took another step in his post-player career, co-hosting a show with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James called "Mind the Game." This show shed light on intricate aspects of basketball and beyond, further expanding Redick's footprint in the media landscape.
New Chapter: Lakers Head Coach
On Monday, JJ Redick was introduced in his new job as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that sent ripples through the basketball world. As fans and insiders chewed over the intriguing decision, one burning question emerged: would Redick continue his role as a podcaster while juggling the demanding responsibilities of being an NBA head coach? The answer came swiftly and decisively during Redick’s introductory press conference.
Challenges of Dual Roles
No active NBA head coach has ever hosted a podcast during the season—coaching an NBA team is an all-consuming vocation. While players may have downtime, a coach's responsibilities are extensive and unrelenting. Moreover, the Lakers would understandably be wary of their coach potentially sharing proprietary club information in a public forum. Maintaining a podcast with any consistency seemed implausible given these massive responsibilities.
A Fond Farewell to Podcasting
Addressing his loyal listeners, Redick shared his plans for a proper goodbye once the Lakers' offseason activities slow down. He mentioned that he would produce a small farewell video to thank the audience that had supported his podcasting journey. Emphasizing his all-in approach to his new role, Redick made it clear that his focus is now entirely on transitioning into his first head-coaching job.
Redick expressed his feelings about leaving the podcasting space, albeit temporarily, and showed appreciation for the fan base that bolstered his podcast's success. "I am, for the time being, and hopefully it's a very, very long time, excommunicated from the content space. There will be no podcast," he stated unequivocally. "We'll do something when I have a breather from what we have coming up."
He continued, "I'm gonna be drinking out of a firehose for the next month, but at some point, we'll just do something for all of the people that listened and we'll have a small little video."
Concluding Thoughts
JJ Redick’s transition from NBA player to podcaster garnered him widespread recognition. Now, as he steps into his role as head coach of the Lakers, he commits himself fully to the sizable task ahead. His untraditional background and fresh perspectives could be the catalyst the Lakers need. His next chapter holds immense potential and excitement for the basketball community.
As Redick embarks on this new journey, his fans, be they from his playing days or his podcast, will be watching closely. His career path is a testament to his versatility and passion for the game of basketball. Whether on the court, behind a mic, or from the sidelines, JJ Redick continues to make his mark on the sport in significant ways.