JJ Redick gives a surprising take on Stephen A. Smith in Hasan Minhaj show
Before JJ Redick was named the Lakers' coach, he was busy providing basketball analysis through his "The Old Man & The Three" podcast and his appearances on ESPN's "First Take." During his interview on the "Hasan Minhaj show "on Monday, Redick praised the entertainment factor of debate shows, such as Stephen A. Smith's presence in sports media, while also being critical of how they cover sports.
Redick has been a guest on ESPN's "First Take" in the past, which has resulted in heated arguments about particular topics. The former Clippers guard prefers to cover the NBA from an analytical standpoint and provide an understanding of the playing field from his experience playing in the league.
Redick described Stephen A. Smith as an NBA analyst who has excellent basketball knowledge and strives for the dramatics and excitement factor of the craft. However, Redick argued that a little bit of everything can be too much, as it often leads to content that prioritizes style over substance.
"I think you can be entertained and you can like some of the debate shows in sports media," Redick said. "I think Stephen A. [Smith] is one of the most talented people that I've ever been around. He's super intelligent. ... There's a performance art to it and it's beautiful at times. This is not a comment meant towards him at all, I think it becomes toxic." (6:10)
Using flair and topics that can get fans debating endlessly has been a tested and proven tactic by professionals in the sports media industry. While it garners engagement from fans, that kind of style provides entertainment for viewers, which may not always be the best way to talk about the sport of basketball.
It leads to discussions or narratives that lose sight of the intricacies and beauty of the game. Striking a proper balance between having fun with the conversations and astute coverage would be the perfect mixture of the two varying styles.
JJ Redick tried this whenever he was invited on "First Take" by staying true to his craft and relying on fair analysis backed up by facts.
JJ Redick gets congratulated by Stephen A. Smith and "First Take" crew for landing the Lakers coaching job
When Redick was officially named as the Lakers' new head coach, Stephen A. Smith had nothing but praise for him and his potential to stir the iconic NBA franchise in the right direction.
"To JJ Redick, No. 1, congratulations," Smith said. "And No. 2, I don't know how it works at other networks, but we root for our teammates here, all of us are rooting for you. All of us want you to succeed, JJ, congratulations. And we hope that you make the Lakers a raving success and you have a very prosperous coaching career."
It is an incredible step in JJ Redick's career to be named the head coach of the Lakers for the upcoming season. Regardless of his lack of coaching resume, the upside remains there for someone with an excellent basketball IQ and the NBA experience to back him up.