Magic Johnson expressed his skepticism about JJ Redick’s transition from commentator to head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, raising concerns about the challenges Redick might face in adapting to the role. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live , the Lakers legend pointed out the difficult jump from being a former player and analyst to becoming a head coach of one of the NBA's most storied franchises.
"It's hard to go from where he was to the coach now. "Because, remember, he was criticizing guys. Now you got to come and coach these guys that are in the NBA, in that locker room."
"He's a very intelligent man. I give him that. He's smart. He knows the game, frontwards and backwards. Also, analytic-wise, he's really intelligent, too."
"Now, can that transfer to the court? Can he now get the guys to play the way he wants them to play, have a great system on both ends, offense and defense? And can he make adjustments within the game?"
"That's going to be the key for me. Then I'll know if he's a great coach. Because if a team makes a run, can he make adjustments to stop that run?" (8:22)
Johnson highlighted the fact that Redick, known for his astute basketball analysis as a podcaster and media figure, has no previous experience coaching at the NBA level.
While Magic acknowledged Redick's intelligence and deep knowledge of the game, he questioned whether Redick could translate those attributes into success as a coach. Redick has long been regarded as a basketball mind with an acute understanding of the sport’s intricacies, from both a strategic and analytical perspective.
Redick’s hiring came as a surprise to many, given his lack of coaching experience beyond a stint as a volunteer coach for a fourth-grade boys' team at the Brooklyn Basketball Academy. Despite his outstanding career as a sharpshooter and his sharp analytical abilities as a commentator, his move to the Lakers coaching job marks a significant leap into uncharted territory. Most of the basketball world expected the Lakers to go with a more seasoned candidate for the high-pressure role.
Magic emphasized the crucial skills Redick will need to develop as a coach, particularly when it comes to managing in-game adjustments. Coaching in the NBA goes beyond having a high basketball IQ; it requires the ability to make quick, tactical decisions during the heat of the game.
For Magic, the true test of Redick’s coaching ability will come when he faces the inevitable challenges during games—especially when the opposition starts to make a run.
JJ Redick's insight into the game is undisputed, and his ability to articulate strategies and break down plays has made him a popular figure in basketball media. However, as Magic suggests, translating those skills into leading an NBA team on the court is a different challenge altogether. Coaching involves managing personalities, devising game plans, and responding in real-time to the flow of the game—areas where Redick has yet to prove himself.
Despite these reservations, there’s cautious optimism that Redick's cerebral approach to the game could translate into a fresh, modern coaching style for the Lakers. He will also benefit from the veteran leadership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis , who bring a wealth of experience and basketball IQ to the team. However, Magic’s concerns are shared by many who are eager to see if Redick can make the necessary adjustments on and off the court to succeed in the high-stakes role as Lakers head coach.
Redick’s debut as a head coach will be on October 22, when the Lakers face the Minnesota Timberwolves . All eyes will be on him to see if he can rise to the challenge, prove his doubters wrong, and make the leap from insightful basketball analyst to successful NBA coach.
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