In a stunning off-season move, the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to overhaul their coaching staff, setting the stage for a potentially transformative era. At the center of this major shift is the hiring of JJ Redick as the new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. This decision marks Redick's first foray into coaching after an illustrious playing career and a budding presence in sports media.
A Radical Decision
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, has a clear vision behind this bold move. "We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision. I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players," Buss shared.
Though untested in coaching, Redick brings a wealth of on-court experience and a sharp analytical mind, honed through his time both as a player and an analyst. Buss is cautiously optimistic about the hire, emphasizing the need to allow Redick the time to imprint his philosophy. "Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don't want to hype it and say it's gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish," Buss added.
New Acquisitions on the Bench
To bridge the gap between inexperience and success, Redick will be supported by a cadre of veteran assistants including Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Their experience is expected to play a pivotal role in the transition. Buss praised the new coaching lineup, saying, "I'm really impressed with his staff. Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there's a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach."
Redick's lack of prior coaching experience is mitigated by his 12-year career in the NBA, a period during which he garnered significant insight into the game. According to Buss, "He knows what this league is about, and I think he'll be a great leader."
Holistic Vision: From Tactics to Culture
In terms of tactical approaches, Redick already has a few changes in mind. Under Ham, the Lakers had a distinctive playing style, ranking fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but languishing in areas such as three-point attempts per game (31.4) and offensive rebounding rate (24.4), where they were 28th and 29th, respectively. The offensive rating, standing at 15th (115.4), also highlighted areas needing improvement.
Redick intends to address these shortcomings directly. "I'm going to use math," he succinctly stated, alluding to a more analytical and metrics-driven approach. He plans to increase the team's three-point attempts and improve offensive rebounding. More organized offensive sets will also be a priority, potentially revolutionizing the Lakers' gameplay.
However, it's not just on the court where Redick aims to make a difference. Player development will be a cornerstone of his coaching ethic. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it," he emphasized. Redick aims to create a positive team culture where everyone, not just the players and staff, but everyone in the building, enjoys coming to work.
"I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group. And does everybody in the building, not just the players and staff, does everybody in the building enjoy coming to work every day? That's sort of on me to create that culture," Redick elaborated.
Expectations and Patience
The stakes are high, and expectations will be even higher once the season kicks off. Yet, everyone within the organization seems committed to giving Redick the time and space required to instill his philosophy and culture.
For now, as players voluntarily come in for workouts and engage with the new coaching staff, the early signs are promising. The combination of Redick's fresh vision, the support of experienced assistants, and the backing from the management provides a solid foundation for what could be a new and exciting chapter for the Los Angeles Lakers.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Redick and his efforts to translate his unique perspective on the game into tangible on-court success. While it remains to be seen how successful this unconventional hiring will be, one thing is certain: the Lakers are ready to embrace change.