J.J. Redick has spent most of his NBA with the Orlando Magic career sitting on the bench, and apparently working out (dude is swoll).
Courtney Lee's injury in the first round of the NBA Playoffs has given Redick, Duke's career-leading scorer (insert chuckle here by UNC fan since that's Duke's leading scorer and not the ACC's), a chance to play meaningful minutes. He started Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and helped the Magic beat the Boston Celtics, 95-90.
Redick outscored Boston's shooting guard, Ray Allen (12 to nine). Redick's four free throws in the final 25 seconds iced the game for the Magic, which had led by as many as 28 points.
You either loved Redick at Duke, or hated him, and the people that hated him aren't likely to be happy for Redick but you should be. He's not going to turn into James Posey, either in size or defensive ability, but Redick can shoot and there's a place in the NBA for shooters (or at least Steph Curry better hope so).
Redick's paid his dues in Orlando's doghouse and deserves his shot. This isn't as much a shot with the Magic, who'll go back to Lee when he's ready, but a tryout with another team.
I always said Redick would excel with LeBron or Kobe, in the way that so many undersized shooting guards made a living with Jordan.
Redick wasn't the only former Duke player in the NBA spotlight on Monday. Shane Battier, four stitches and all, helped the Rockets upset the Lakers in Game 1 of their series.
Comments
The thing is
Tue, 05/05/2009 - 11:57 — tarheelfanblogRedick's NBA career path might end up being the same one Tyler Hansbrough has to work down. Redick and Hansbrough similarly were great college players but faced/face a ton of questions about how their game translates to the NBA. Redick is managing to find a way and make the most of an opportunity afforded to him by a teammate's injury. Hansbrough might be looking at the same kind of road.
doubtful
Tue, 05/05/2009 - 16:16 — AlleyOopsI don't think Hansbrough will be anywhere near the same player he was in college. Redick seems to have adjusted to the NBA because he got stronger and quicker, while Hansbrough can't make himself taller. I bet Hansbrough plays 10 years in the league b/c it's good to have "that guy" who hustles on your team, but he will not be scoring much.
and btw, Stephen Curry can create his own shot, so if JJ can stick around, Curry will be there a long time (see House, Eddie).