JJ Redick dropped F-bombs during his first interview as Lakers head coach: "I want to become a great coach in the NBA"
The Los Angeles Lakers introduced JJ Redick as their new head coach on June 24th. He will replace Darvin Ham, whom the franchise fired after their first-round playoff exit. JJ became the 25th head coach in the LA era and the 29th overall for the franchise.
The former Duke Blue Devil played 15 seasons in the NBA and was part of 14 playoff teams. However, he has one big drawback, and he let everyone know about it during his opening statement.
"I have never coached in the NBA before," said Redick in his opening statement. "I don't know if you guys heard that."
Monday was JJ's 40th birthday
With statements like that one, Redick looked calm, composed, and in a light mood during his first press appearance as Lakers head coach. And why not? Monday's introductory press conference coincided with his 40th birthday.
JJ tried his best to slip into a comfortable place during the media event. However, when one female reporter asked him what misconceptions or concerns about him he was most looking forward to dispelling, Redick dropped F-bombs.
"I don't really have a great answer for your question because I really don't give a f***," replied Redick. "I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don't want to dispel anything. I don't. I want to become a great coach in the NBA. And I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That's all I fu**ing care about."
Redick has no coaching experience at any level
The retired sharpshooter has faced criticism since his name was included on the list of candidates for the Lakers' next head coach. The most serious objection to Redick was his lack of coaching experience. Except for his children's youth teams, JJ has never coached at any level.
Critics, including former NBA player Rashad McCants, pointed to his connection to LeBron James as the main reason why he would get the Lakers coaching job. Redick and James recently began a podcast called 'Mind the Game' where they discuss, among others, the Xs and Os of the game.
With Redick's official hiring, he will have at least a season to prove his mettle. There's no question that he is one of the biggest coaching potentials out there. However, as many have said, the Lakers' head coaching position is the most volatile job in the NBA. And just as JJ doesn't care about anything, the people who hired him won't care if he fails to live up to their very lofty expectations.
