"That's how Spo was": Patrick Beverley draws parallels between Lakers head coach JJ Redick and Erik Spoelstra
Patrick Beverley drew parallels between LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick and Erik Spoelstra. Speaking on 'The OGs' podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, the veteran guard believed there was one quality of the Miami Heat head coach he saw in Redick. Beverley thought that trait would make him successful in LA despite the zero coaching experience.
Miller asked Beverley about the West and zeroed in on the Lakers. The topic shifted to Redick as the team's newly minted head coach.
"I think he's firm. And if you're firm as a coach, you have success. That's how Spo was. I'm not comparing JJ Redick to Spo, I am not doing that. But Spo was firm, in the way Spo talked to me, he talked to Bron [LeBron James] the same way. So I couldn't even have no room for error like that. I witness him saying the same thing to D-Wade and the same thing to Bron. A firm coach in the NBA is a successful coach."
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It isn't news that massive expectations are riding on Redick as he takes over the reins as LA's 29th head coach. He will be tasked with leading the team to another championship, especially after their rivals the Boston Celtics edging them out for most titles.
Previously, there were reports of the Lakers seeing Pat Riley vibes from JJ Redick, and now Patrick Beverley had another Heat icon to draw a parallel to.
Patrick Beverley explains the reason for heading overseas instead of playing in the NBA for the 2024-25 season
Patrick Beverley spent the first half of the last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the deadline and played alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The NBA journeyman made headlines earlier this summer when he signed a two-year, $4 million deal with Israel outfit, Hapoel Tel Aviv. Per Yahoo! Sports, he explained the move.
"They gave me everything I asked for. I couldn’t refuse. It'd be a disservice to myself and how hard I worked on my body, on my game. I want the best, I want the most I can get in this game."
Beverley started his professional basketball career playing overseas with stints in Ukraine and Greece. He played two seasons in Russia before coming to the NBA and signing with the Houston Rockets for the 2012-13 season. During his NBA career, Beverley suited up for the LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Lakers, and the Chicago Bulls.