"Have some self respect and don’t act like a snickering kid" - NBA analyst blasts JJ Redick for profane introductory press conference
After months of speculation, the Lakers finally made it official with their decision to trust JJ Redick's vision as their head coach. Intending to instill a culture change, the expectations are high for Redick to deliver on his end. However, he didn't make a good first impression in yesterday's press conference due to his profane language which The New Yorker's Jay Caspian Kang reacted to.
There have been some doubts about Redick's capability to lead the purple and gold franchise to a championship this coming season. Given that he has no coaching experience, the former Clippers guard could still end up proving the doubters wrong.
However, he is not off to a good start in terms of how he presents himself to the media. At least from the perspective of NBA analysts Frank Isola and Jay Caspian Kang.
"Correct," Kang said. "Feels forced 95% of the time, especially here. You're at a press conference. Have some self respect and don't act like a snickering kid going, 'I don't have to follow the rules.' So Duke."
From Kang's end, he isn't too fond of sports figures losing sight of some of resemblance of professionalism in a press conference. Considering that JJ Redick has a lot to live up to, some analysts prefer if he keeps it simple when it comes to addressing the media.
JJ Redick cleared the air on LeBron James' involvement in Lakers' coaching hire
During his press conference alongside Lakers executive Rob Pelinka, JJ Redick cleared the air on any narratives and notions that LeBron James was heavily involved in the front office's decision.
"He didn't provide any advice," Redick said. "LeBron and I did not talk about the Lakers job until Thursday afternoon about 30 minutes after I was offered the job. That was very intentional on both our parts. I knew — I had an understanding that he did not want to be involved in this. For me I didn't want to go down the path of hypotheticals ..."
Aside from being competitors on the basketball court, they were previously sharing their basketball analysis through the "Mind The Game" podcast. It garnered a strong reputation from NBA fans due to its extensive and concise breakdown of the game itself.
For a job as crucial and demanding as the Lakers' head coach, Redick knew it was pivotal that he didn't discuss anything related to the position until an official decision was made.
At the same time, JJ Redick highly valued his relationship with the former Cavaliers forward off the court and preferred to have it remain intact amid all the previous reports from the media.
All that remains now is for Redick to handle the pressure well and deliver a season that will hopefully be viewed as an improvement from the previous run.