NBA Journey
JJ Redick spent 15 years as an NBA sharpshooter, renowned for his precision from beyond the arc and his savvy basketball IQ. Redick not only made a name for himself on the court but also rose to prominence off the court as an engaging podcaster. Through his show, "The Old Man and the Three," Redick captivated audiences around the globe, offering interviews with several important figures in the NBA. The insights and stories provided by the podcast generated significant fan interest, earning Redick a solid fan base and cementing his status as a notable voice within the NBA community.
More recently, Redick expanded his media presence by co-hosting a show with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James called "Mind the Game" in March. The show delved into intricate aspects of basketball and beyond, shedding light on topics not typically covered by mainstream sports media.
New Chapter: Lakers Head Coach
On Monday, JJ Redick was introduced in his new role as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. This surprising announcement sent ripples through the basketball world. Fans and insiders quickly raised a burning question: would Redick continue his role as a podcaster while juggling the demanding responsibilities of 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. The demands of coaching an NBA team are immensely time-consuming. Players, unlike coaches, tend to have more downtime, which affords them the opportunity to engage in off-court activities. Coaching, however, is an all-consuming vocation. The Lakers management is understandably cautious about their coach potentially sharing proprietary club information in a public forum. Maintaining a podcast with any consistency seemed increasingly implausible.
A Fond Farewell to Podcasting
During his press conference, Redick addressed his loyal listeners, sharing plans for a proper goodbye once the Lakers' offseason activities slow down. He mentioned a small farewell video to thank the audience that had supported his podcasting journey. Redick emphasized his all-in approach to his new coaching role, declaring that his focus would now be entirely on transitioning into his first head-coaching job.
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 is committing himself fully to the sizable task ahead. His untraditional background and fresh perspectives could be the catalyst the Lakers need moving forward. The next chapter of his career holds immense potential and excitement for both Redick and the basketball community.
"I am, for the time being, and hopefully it's a very, very long time, I am excommunicated from the content space. There will be no podcast," Redick firmly stated.
He continued, "We'll do something when I have a breather from what we have coming up. 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."