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 important figures around the NBA, providing insights and stories that fans couldn't get enough of. This talent for engaging conversation and offering insider perspectives propelled his podcast to popularity, solidifying his place as a voice in the NBA community. In March, he began co-hosting a show with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James called "Mind the Game," shedding light on intricate aspects of basketball and beyond.
New Chapter: Lakers Head Coach
On Monday, JJ Redick was introduced in his new job as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, sending ripples through the basketball world. Fans and insiders had another 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 immense. Players, unlike coaches, tend to have more downtime. Coaching is an all-consuming vocation. The Lakers would be wary of their coach potentially sharing proprietary club information in a public forum. Maintaining a podcast with any consistency is seemingly implausible.
A Fond Farewell to Podcasting
Addressing his loyal listeners, Redick shared 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. He is focused entirely on transitioning into his first head-coaching job.
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.
Redick made it clear during the press conference, stating, "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."
"We'll do something when I have a breather from what we have coming up," he added.
"I'm gonna be drinking out of a firehouse 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."