Lakers HC JJ Redick breaks down exact reaction to LA's Dan Hurley pursuit amid interviewing process
Newly-minted LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick came with more than just a fair share of drama. From being the prize candidate to succeed former sidelines manager Darvin Ham to being slid down the ladder with Uconn head coach Dan Hurley suddenly joining the mix, there were enough headlines made before LA finally zeroed in and hired the former NBA sharpshooter.
In his recent appearance on ESPN and NBA insider Zach Lowe's 'The Lowe Post' podcast, Redick was asked about his thoughts when Hurley entered the frame as a potential candidate to become the Lakers head coach.
"It was not surprising. As an organization and a front office, you have to explore every opportunity. I wasn't offended, my feelings weren't hurt. I think more so than anything the first wave of news was like an assumption that he would take the job, and obviously he didn't... which is great for me.
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When asked if he had spoken to Hurley after the developments that followed, Redick said that the former had reached out to him via UConn assistant coach Luke Murray, but the two hadn't had a talk.
JJ Redick inked a four-year deal with LA with the moolah in the neighborhood of $8 million per season. Since then, he has already made his plans for the team clear in his maiden season as the head coach. From maximizing the most out of LeBron James' time on the floor to offense plans centering around superstar Anthony Davis, the 40-year-old looks assured and optimistic ahead of the Lakers' upcoming and intriguing NBA season.
"My feelings weren't hurt": JJ Redick had previously clarified his stance on Lakers-Dan Hurley coaching drama
Speaking during his introductory press conference, JJ Redick stressed that he was in no way "hurt" when the Lakers were linked with Dan Hurley as part of their head coach hunt.
"At no point was my ego bruised or feelings hurt in any way"
In the same presses, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka told the media Monday that Redick was always part of LA's "Plan A" of candidates, which possibly included the UConn coach. Redick was heavily linked to the side even before there were reports and views about Hurley,
JJ Redick's hire comes as a surprise considering he comes without any prior coaching experience. But his tactical acumen, high game awareness, and 15 seasons in the league as a broadcaster and a podcaster put him in the front seat as one of the candidates who the Lakers were interested in. It remains to be seen how his rookie year as an HC pans out.