10 takeaways from JJ Redick’s introductory press conference

JJ Redick was officially announced as the Los Angeles Lakers’ 29th head coach on Monday.

Redick went over a ton in his introductory press conference. Let’s dive into ten key takeaways.

HE DROPPED AN ‘F’ BOMB IN HIS INTRO PRESS CONFERENCE

PUT HIM IN THE HALL OF FAME NOW😭 https://t.co/86lN4OJ9Qe pic.twitter.com/yx2tegYZzy

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 24, 2024

Championship expectations

Redick comes in and understands that the Lakers franchise comes with lofty expectations.

Redick stated, “I have never coached in the NBA before. I don’t know if you guys have heard that. … The expectation is a championship. … That’s what I signed up for.”

The rookie head coach is ready to take on the challenge of being the Lakers head coach and competing for a title.

No experience, no problem

Redick understands he doesn’t have prior coaching experience, but that doesn’t deter him.

He stated, “I have zero coaching experience in the NBA, but I’d argue I’m very experienced.”

The 40-year-old played 15 years in the NBA and has spent the last few years as an NBA Analyst for ESPN. Through his podcast, Redick has learned different philosophies by picking the brains of players and coaches.

Redick also addressed that the pursuit of Dan Hurley didn’t bother him, stating “At no point was my ego or feelings hurt or bruised in any way. Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn; I am a two-time 55 Swish League champion in the 3rd and 4th grade division. I understood.”

While Redick may not have head coaching experience in the NBA, he looks ready to meet the challenge and compete at a high level.

“Dan is a two-time national champion. I am a two-time Swish League champion in the 3rd and 4th grade division.” 🤣

JJ says he wasn’t offended by the Lakers’ pursuit of Dan Hurley pic.twitter.com/MCpcS5TDRK

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 24, 2024

Redick’s communication and IQ

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka stated, “I think JJ is one of the best basketball communicators out there, full stop. He’s special at that.”

Redick’s ability to communicate the concepts of the game will be pivotal in connecting with the players. His experience as a former player and having a high basketball IQ will help him through the process.

In the official press release announcing Redick as the head coach, Pelinka stated, “JJ is a fierce competitor and has an extraordinary basketball IQ and understanding of the modern game that will energize players and excite fans. His rigorous analysis will immediately unlock new opportunities for our roster while setting a foundation for player development over the long term.”

The Purple and Gold have complete confidence in their head coach in bringing new concepts to the organization and ushering in the next era of Lakers basketball.

Analytics and innovation

“I’m going to use math. I’m going to use math,” Redick stated in his press conference.

The modern age of the NBA calls for more analytics and innovation to be used. Redick said, “The Game is evolving, one of the things you have to be in coaching is adaptable. That’s one of the things I’ll strive to be.”

His ability to adapt and incorporate modern concepts will be pivotal as the organization invests in the analytics and development of its team.

Pelinka and Redick seem to be on the same page regarding operating the future development and emphasis on analytics.

Player Development/Group Matters

With the new CBA, teams are forced to build their rosters differently. Developing young talent to have a roster with a ton of depth is pivotal.

Redick stated, “The group matters. You need 6,7,8 guys. It wasn’t about the individual, it was about the group.”

Pelinka emphasized player development throughout this process, as he wants young players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and Jalen Hood-Schifino.

Redick praised both Reaves and Hachimura. When describing Hachimura, he stated, “I want him shooting more 3’s… I think he can become an excellent offensive rebounder.”

The emphasis on having depth and developing their young core will be top priorities for Redick.

JJ Reddick statement on becoming the next head coach of the Lakers:

“I am incredibly humbled to join the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful sports franchises in the world,” Redick said. “This opportunity for me is all about service to the players, team and… pic.twitter.com/Pr0yMRJxAP

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 24, 2024

Why Redick chose the Lakers

Certain media members critiqued the Lakers head coaching position, as it’s a position where you will be scrutinized.

However, Redick is up to the challenge as he stated, “This job was about the Lakers. And LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the greatest ever. I’ve been able to do incredible things in my life… I called Game 5 of the NBA Finals… [I coached my son]. I committed to this job in the Duke Hall of Fame room. This might be the best [thing I’ve done in my life]… This job in particular. It’s not about getting the job, it’s about doing the job. I want to coach the Los Angeles Lakers.”

Redick understands the value of being the head coach for one of the most prominent sports franchises, so he is set up for success.

Redick’s determination

“The pursuit of greatness can’t be miserable. There has to be joy entering the building.”

Redick’s remark shows his determination and attitude towards this job. He understands that many can falter in the pursuit of greatness, but it’s important to stay positive throughout the process.

Winning in the margins

The Lakers struggled in many small aspects of the game last season. Redick has made that a point of emphasis in his philosophy as a head coach.

Redick emphasized, “You have to look at your roster and think of how you can create margins with that roster… That all came from analyzing the game for the past three years.”

To be specific with Redick’s analysis, he discussed the importance of offensive rebounding from the corners to create extra positions and angling screens in certain ways to create mismatches.

“LeBron was very supportive of us in our process, but chose not to be heavily involved, and we respected that.” – Rob Pelinka on how the “Mind the Game” podcast factored into JJ Redick’s hiring. pic.twitter.com/Xgi62vVFV4

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 24, 2024

Anthony Davis’ involvement/LeBron James support

A vital aspect of the coaching search was star big man Anthony Davis. Pelinka stated that Davis was involved and had conversations throughout the process, while LeBron James provided support for the organization’s decision but was not involved.

Pelinka stated. “LeBron was very supportive of us in our process, but chose not to be heavily involved, and we respected that.”

Having the two stars on board with Redick as the head coach is crucial and should help him make the transition easily.

Assistant Coaching Staff

The next step of the process is assembling an assistant coaching staff around Redick.

Although Redick and Pelinka declined to name the candidates, they are on the same page and agree that having two former head coaches on the front of the bench is pivotal.

Redick also emphasized having innovative young minds on the back end of the staff. He wants people to challenge him, not be a “yes man.”

While it will take time to see Redick’s full potential, the Lakers seem to have made a great decision in hiring him, which will help them compete now and in the long term.

“I just want all Lakers fans to know that I take this responsibility very seriously. My goal is to give you my best every single day. My goal is to create, along with my staff, the players, and Rob, a championship-level team year after year.”