NBA legend Rick Barry recently shared his candid thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers’ choice to hire JJ Redick as their new head coach.
Speaking with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on Scoop B Radio, Barry didn’t hold back on his surprise over the move, given Redick’s lack of prior coaching experience.
“Well, it’s surprising because he has no experience,” Barry remarked, pointing out that while it’s not the first time an inexperienced coach has been appointed in the NBA, it’s still a bold choice.
“Some guys have been very successful, so only time will tell to see how good he’s going to do,” Barry added, while noting his surprise at the Lakers’ decision.
Redick, who has made a name for himself as a respected NBA analyst, notably critiqued past eras of basketball during his time at ESPN in 2022. His comments stirred debate when he referred to NBA Hall of Famer Bob Cousy’s competition as “plumbers and firemen.”
Barry pointed out that players from his time didn’t have access to the training resources available today. “If I had everything available to the players today from training…we had zero and I mean ZERO. We were all on our own. I didn’t have a strength coach, an agility coach, or a dietician,” he explained.
Barry suggested that with current training methods, he and other legends like Oscar Robertson would have achieved even greater levels of athleticism.
The Lakers, currently standing at 4-4 and 10th in the Western Conference, have seen mixed results under Redick’s leadership. The season began with an optimistic 3-0 start, but a recent 1-4 run has tempered expectations.
The team is working to adapt under the new coaching system, with fans and analysts alike closely watching Redick’s approach.
One notable shift in the Lakers’ strategy under Redick is his utilization of Anthony Davis. The nine-time All-Star is putting up impressive numbers, averaging a career-high 32.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game in 36.3 minutes.
Redick’s strategy appears to be built around maximizing Davis’s production, which has added a new dimension to the team’s offense.
