“Players don’t f**k with McMillan”- Matt Barnes shares thoughts on Lakers surrounding HC JJ Redick with veteran coaches
Following the LA Lakers' latest move to hire Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks as part of JJ Redick's coaching staff, former Clippers forward Matt Barnes shared his stance on the move. LA is having one of the most intriguing offseasons so far after the hiring of Redick as their new head coach and drafting Bronny James at 55th overall.
Redick being named the new head coach for one of the most historic franchises in the NBA will certainly draw some attention. Now just because of the pressure to win another championship but due to his lack of professional coaching experience, the move is viewed to be risky.
Matt Barnes shared his perspective on the matter when he responded to a fan comment praising the Lakers' latest coaching staff acquisition.
"Players don't f*** with McMillan," Barnes posted. "They didn't when I played and I guarantee they don't know."
Barnes played with the purple and gold from 2010 to 2012 for two seasons. During his time in the league, Barnes was considered a journeyman in the NBA as he moved from one team to the next until he retired after his 2016-17 season with the Golden State Warriors.
From all that he's experienced in the league, he pointed out the questionable reception that Nate McMillan has garnered during his tenure. Whether there's some merit to Matt Barnes's comments or not, it remains to be seen if he will make a positive impact on Redick's staff.
Scott Brooks was an assistant coach in Portland from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, McMillan was the previous head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023.
Matt Barnes is willing to give JJ Redick the benefit of the doubt as the Lakers' head coach
The 2024-25 NBA season is still a couple of months away but many are already wondering how JJ Redick's first season coaching the Lakers will pan out. There's no denying that the franchise needs a culture change to get back to its championship-winning ways.
With all of the doubts and questions being aimed at Redick's way, his former Clippers teammate Matt Barnes came to his defense, as per TMZ Sports.
"JJ's a great mind, he definitely deserves a shot," Barnes said. "That Lakers seat is always going to be a hot seat, and it's always going to be a fall seat. So, whoever takes it better be ready. Gotta have tough skin. JJ is my dawg, so I'm always gonna support him." (0:21)
He acknowledged the pressure that comes with anything associated with the Lakers. However, Barnes isn't ruling out the possibility of Redick putting the league on notice next season with his coaching style.
Originally, Redick garnered a strong reputation in the NBA as one of the most efficient and reliable shotmakers from beyond the arc. After his playing days, he later dabbled his hand in podcasting and gained a following for his in-depth analysis of anything related to basketball.