Backwards way to help JJ Redick's career?

[JustAFan]

This article from the Orlando Sentinel is a rather depressing assessment of JJ Redick's status with the Magic today. A friend of mine in Orlando tells me that the writer, Mike Bianchi, has actually been a strong supporter of JJ for the past two years. Seems like Bianchi has either reached the end of that support, or is trying to "help" JJ find another team. If it's the latter, he sure chose an awkward way to do so.

At least he notes that JJ "has handled the situation with class", but not until the third paragraph from the bottom. Jeez, with friends like these ...


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sport...5170407.column

[CameronBornAndBred]

Interesting article. I don't see what the Orlando GM is thinking when he keeps saying he intends to keep Redick. If I were JJ, I'd think about suing somebody to get out of that contract. Being held to a job that you know is going nowhere must be about as fun as being in jail, and with just as many prospects.

[Edouble]

If I were JJ, I'd think about suing somebody to get out of that contract. Being held to a job that you know is going nowhere must be about as fun as being in jail, and with just as many prospects.

It's a contract. He signed it. I doubt there's anything in the contract that guarantees any time on the court. There's probably something in the contract that says he's not guaranteed time on the court just so a lottery bust with an ego (I'm not talking about JJ here) doesn't sue his team. We all want the guy to play, but I don't think he has any legal recourse. Any contract lawyers out there to back me up or disagree?

[Classof06]

This is the best NBA article on JJ that I've ever read. Like I said yesterday in a different thread, when they drafted Courtney Lee from Western Kentucky in this year's draft, that said everything you needed to know. Like JJ, I literally said "the writing is on the wall".

Look at the logic:

-You drafted him #11

-He doesn't get any burn, under 2 different coaches

-You trade with other teams for multiple players at his position (Dooling, Maurice Evans, Pietrus)

-You draft a player at his position 2 seasons later (Lee)

But you won't trade him? The only logical conclusion is that you made a mistake by drafting him or, at the very least, he has no chance of ever making siginificant contributions to your team. Otis Smith and Stan VG denying what any intelligent person can see is just making it all the more awkward. Trade the guy and let him get on with his career. This is just so ridiculous it's not even funny.


And I'm not a contract lawyer but JJ definitely has no legal recourse. Like EDouble said, he signed the contract. Plus the guy will make a cool $2 million in 2008. In the big scheme of things, he has nothing to complain about.

[SilkyJ]

Interesting article. I don't see what the Orlando GM is thinking when he keeps saying he intends to keep Redick. If I were JJ, I'd think about suing somebody to get out of that contract. Being held to a job that you know is going nowhere must be about as fun as being in jail, and with just as many prospects.

you'd sue somebody for paying you $2 million bucks? you must be very rich my friend.

[cspan37421]

even if he never becomes an NBA all star, if he gets a chance to play for another team, I would love to watch him torch the Magic from the outside. That would be so sweet.

That said, I suspect that like the Alaskan Assassin, he'll do better overseas. I can't tell you how ironic I find it that the rap on him is that he can't play defense. We're talking the NBA here, right?

[_Gary]

If JJ gets traded to another NBA team and still can't get off the bench then I'll admit I was wrong about him. I've always thought he could be a decent 15 to 20 minute a night guy in the league. Two years ago he started off being hurt and playing for one of the most pathetic coaches in the NBA - Brian Hill. Last year he just had some bad luck because the guys in front of him shot the ball phenomenally. I still believe he can contribute, in a meaningful way, with some team. And I hope the Magic do indeed trade him. He doesn't need another year under Stan, who just isn't going to play him now that he has another long-armed, defensive stopper on the roster. JJ needs a change of scenery just like Dunleavy did. It can make all the difference in the world.

Gary

[Huh?]

How can he be considered a failure if he doesn't even get a chance to play??? I know he was a lottery pick, but a failure has to show he can't do it....right?

[hq2]

Well, I blame this entirely on the Magic, not J.J. It was well known when he was drafted that he was not a defensive player, and the Magic already had 2 or 3 very good 3 point shooters on the team. I don't know why they wasted a pick on him. They should have gotten someone else who could help them where they need help (small forward, especially), and left J.J. for another team. That being said, he needs a trade to a team that needs a good off the bench three point shooter. I'm sure if the Magic looked around the league, they could find someone who would give them something for him. I just don't think they've tried hard enough, or else the other teams have decided to let his original contract expire and pick him up for nothing.

[Edouble]

even if he never becomes an NBA all star, if he gets a chance to play for another team, I would love to watch him torch the Magic from the outside. That would be so sweet.

That said, I suspect that like the Alaskan Assassin, he'll do better overseas. I can't tell you how ironic I find it that the rap on him is that he can't play defense. We're talking the NBA here, right?

Umm, that would be so sweet to see him throw down 6 or 7 threes in one game against the Magic.

I think Redick has a fine chance to make it on the NBA level, much moreso than Trajan did. He's taller, more athletic, a better three point shooter, and a better shooter overall. I can see why the Magic didn't play him much when Bogans was shooting so well from behind the arc, but to not trade him does seem silly. It seems like they could at least get a future second round pick and some cash for the guy from someone. Why not just trade him last draft night for another second round or late first round pick? I think I have to see who the Magic end up signing to make sense of it though. If they sign Lee, and just keep Redick on the bench, then it doesn't make much sense to hold onto him. But if they don't have another reliable SG on the bench after free agency and summer league, then they've gotta hold onto Redick, even if he never plays, just in case someone is injured.

[CameronBornAndBred]

you'd sue somebody for paying you $2 million bucks? you must be very rich my friend.

I wish. I just find it must be extremely frustrating for them not to even negotiate. And if they refuse to let you go, and refuse to play you, then that basically equates to captivity of sorts. Even if he were playing in Europe, or in the D-league, he could showcase his skills. Right now he can't even do that.

[moonpie23]

I If I were JJ, I'd think about suing somebody to get out of that contract.

hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha

[BD80]

I think Redick has a fine chance to make it on the NBA level, much moreso than Trajan did. He's taller, more athletic, a better three point shooter, and a better shooter overall. ...

but to not trade him does seem silly.

Who can JJ guard in the league? Not point guards, nor many of the 2 guards, who are now typically 6-7 or taller.

If you can work out a defensive scheme for him, you still need the right situation for him. I can see two - the Cavs or the Lakers. Each has a tall ballhandler that can command a double team, freeing up JJ for the spot up jumper. Both have a bunch of flotsam on their rosters to offer.

Another option, Philly now has a big guy that commands a double team and can find an open three point shooter - and a PG that doesn't hesitate to pass - but do they have a salary they would be willing to trade?

The Magic are wasting an asset (a lottery pick in his rookie contract) and are mishandling an obligation (JJ's salary). They are getting absolutely NO production out of JJ. Still they have refused to entertain offers (by declaring he is NOT going to be traded). Now it is a buyer's market, as teams know that the Magic need to dump JJ to alleviate the overstocked 2 guard position and to create room for another PG. Only a couple of teams can take JJ without giving a salary back (Charlotte and Golden State?). The Magic sure aren't going to get much in return for the #7 pick.

[EarlJam]

I may get blasted for this, but "here it goes:"

As much as I liked Redick, I was never totally sold on him. Awesome, great, wonderful, magnificant, shooter? YES. Who could question that?

But besides N.C. State in his freshman year, I don't recall him being tremendously clutch, and I never really felt comfortable with him taking a last shot (2004 Final Four, UConn).

Then came a signature moment: LSU in the 2006 tourney.

That was a peek of things to come and may be something Hansbrough wants to study. They absolutely SHUT REDICK DOWN. And they were a physical team.

Welcome to the NBA, where that style of LSU '06 play takes place every night.

The writer makes a good point - two coaches, two styles, and J.J. still couldn't get playing time. Those coaches aren't stupid.

I always thought Redick would end up being a "rich man's" Steve Kerr, and that's about it (and that's pretty freakin' awesome). I still think he can be that and can become the "missing link" to a team trying to an NBA team trying to get to the next level.

-EarlJam, who really is pulling for J.J.

[shadowfax336]

Another option, Philly now has a big guy that commands a double team and can find an open three point shooter - and a PG that doesn't hesitate to pass - but do they have a salary they would be willing to trade?

You beat me to it...
all the articles about the Brand signing kept mentioning Philly's need for a shooter to keep defenses honest now that Korver's gone and they have Brand. I'm not sure how the salaries work exactly, but it would seem to make a whole lot of sense to look in to.

[CameronBornAndBred]

hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha

I'd complain about that response, but I left the exact same answer to somebody else's post in a different forum today. Maybe even to the letter. Damn karma.

[jkidd31]

I'd like to see the Cavs pick him up. I'm also surprised they didn't make a play for Brand or Duhon. The Cavs looked slow against Boston and I thought the big reason for the trade they made was to free up cap room after this past season.

LJ needs some help. I'm afraid he's gone when his contract is up.

[bludvlman]

I've checked some of the magic boards and there is a story that JJ cleaned out his locker today, take that for what it is worth. The source is a unnamed Magic employee but the poster is usually accurate there. Also the rumor is that the Heat are the team he could go to.

[bludvlman]

I'd like to see the Cavs pick him up. I'm also surprised they didn't make a play for Brand or Duhon. The Cavs looked slow against Boston and I thought the big reason for the trade they made was to free up cap room after this past season.

LJ needs some help. I'm afraid he's gone when his contract is up.

Thats what happens when you GM goes to a horrible school

[CameronBornAndBred]

I've checked some of the magic boards and there is a story that JJ cleaned out his locker today, take that for what it is worth. The source is a unnamed Magic employee but the poster is usually accurate there. Also the rumor is that the Heat are the team he could go to.

Here is to hoping the rumor is true. Go show 'em what you got JJ!