Top 3 most underrated 2023 NBA offseason moves according to JJ Redick
With the 2023 NBA offseason nearing its end, former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick recently revealed his list of this year's most underrated offseason moves. Redick did so on his podcast “The Old Man and The Three,” where he first spoke about the criteria for his selections:
“Yeah, I looked at it as three guys who I think will make an impact on winning and make a team better.
“One of which, maybe it’s an Eastern Conference team that makes it into the top 6, one of which, maybe it’s a Western Conference team that makes it into the top 6 and one of which is the Lakers, and we all know they’re trying to play for a championship.”
So, on that note, here are JJ Redick's three most under-the-radar moves of the 2023 offseason:
JJ Redick’s Top 3 most under-the-radar 2023 NBA offseason acquisitions
3. Seth Curry: Dallas Mavericks
The first player on JJ Redick’s underrated offseason acquisitions list was sharpshooter Seth Curry, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks for $8 million for two years. Redick said:
“My first one is really under the radar, even though he’s historically, I think the best 3-point shooter, in terms of percentage, in NBA history, and that’s Seth Curry."
Redick highlighted Curry’s elite 3-point shooting as the primary reason why he likes the signing for Dallas:
“The reason I love this is the last time he was in Dallas, which was the 2019-20 season, he shot 45.2% from 3, averaged a little over 12 (points) a game. He was 48.1% on catch-and-shoot 3s."
Redick added that Curry should be a good fit in the Mavs offense playing off stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving:
“When you think about the way this offense is going to function, it will primarily be pick-and-roll and iso. That is what Kyrie does, that is what Luka does.
“So having him as one of your spot-up shooters, … they’re gonna figure out ways to use him. I don’t know if he starts, but he helps this team.”
(2:53 mark below)
2. Taurean Prince: LA Lakers
JJ Redick’s second most under-the-radar offseason move was the LA Lakers signing wing Taurean Prince to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.
Redick’s co-host Tommy Alter first highlighted Prince’s shooting ability and defensive versatility:
“Last year, he was 38.1% from 3. He was a 41.7% corner 3-point shooter. 44.0% on corner 3s over the last three seasons, he can play multiple positions for them, he’s obviously depth for LeBron.
“He’s just a vet who's been consistent his entire career. It’s kind of amazing that they got him on a deal like that.”
Redick then added that Prince will be a great fit alongside Lakers superstar forward LeBron James due to his 3-and-D skill set:
“The best roster construction around LeBron James, historically, has been shooting and 3-and-D guys. I think he sort of fits the bill there. I love this (signing) for the Lakers. Very under the radar.”
(0:19 mark below)
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1. Obi Toppin: Indiana Pacers
JJ Redick’s final most underrated offseason move was the Indiana Pacers acquiring 2020 No. 8 draft pick Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks. Toppin was traded to Indiana for just two second-round picks in July.
According to Redick, the athletic high-flying 25-year-old could be a much better fit with the Pacers due to Indiana’s fast-paced playstyle:
“To me, this is not a knock on the Knicks’ organization, but the way that Obi Toppin was used and the way that the Knicks want to play more deliberate — I think they were in the bottom 5 in pace last year — it didn’t fit him, it didn’t suit him, and I’m excited to see him in Indiana."
Redick added that Toppin should thrive playing in transition alongside Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton:
“One of the reasons that I love this fit, Tyrese, in terms of his ability to get rebounds and get out in transition, the throw-ahead passes, all that stuff, Obi Toppin running the floor, it just makes sense.
“Obi Toppin was 25th in the league last year in transition points per possession. This team wants to play fast, they were fifth in pace, they were first in transition points per game. … So, I’m excited to see him in Indiana, and I’m not willing to give up on Obi Toppin as a really good NBA player.”
(11:56 mark below)
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