Former Clippers star Blake Griffin sums up Lakers’ JJ Redick hire
This offseason, the LA Lakers made the decision to hire JJ Redick to be their next head coach. Redick has joined the rare group of former players to become a head coach without any previous experience. Since retiring as a player in 2021, he's hung around the game as a TV analyst and podcaster. Now, he'll be leading a roster headlined by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
On "Pardon My Take," Blake Griffin was asked about JJ Redick taking the job with the Lakers. He had nothing but nice things to say about the situation.
"It's pretty awesome," Griffin said. "He's as equipped to do that as anyone. So yeah, I'm excited for him."
As most know, Griffin and Redick were both part of the "Lob City" LA Clippers teams. They shared the floor for four years from 2013 to 2017.
Similar to Redick, Griffin has decided to step away from the NBA as a player. Back in April, he announced his retirement after 13 seasons. After being drafted first overall in 2009, Griffin became a six-time All-Star and was named to five All-NBA teams.
Former NBA player takes shot at JJ Redick being hired by the LA Lakers
While Blake Griffin might be happy to see JJ Redick get an opportunity with the LA Lakers, some players haven't been as kind. Former champion Jared Dudley, who works as an assistant for Jason Kidd on the Dallas Mavericks, took a shot at Redick's lack of experience.
"I want to head coach, that's my dream," Dudley said ahead of Summer League. "Some of us aren't JJ Redick and get to go right away...We all have different times and my time will come."
Dudely was a late first-round pick in the 2007 NBA draft and went on to become a journeyman forward. He spent 14 years in the league, suiting up for the Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and LA Lakers. Dudley's biggest accomplishment in the league was winning a title with the Lakers in the bubble during the 2020 season.
Dudley retired after the 2021 campaign and was hired by the Mavericks as an assistant that summer.