After an extensive search and rejection of offers by candidates, the Los Angeles Lakers named former NBA player JJ Redick in June as the franchise's next head coach.
Dan Hurley, who coached the UW Huskies men's basketball team to its second straight NCAA title in April, turned down an offer from the Lakers in June.
This franchise choice was quickly met with both praise and skepticism, with many critics pointing out Redick's lack of coaching experience. This week, three-time NBA All-Star Steve Francis became the latest critic to voice concerns about the Lakers' decision.
“I love basketball, but just because he went to Duke doesn't mean he can do that. He criticizes people on TV. He sounds like he's a great coach,” Francis said. He recently spoke on the podcast “Live from the District.”
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Former NBA player Steve Francis watches the Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets game at Toyota Center on February 3, 2017 in Houston. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Francis then mentioned several assistant coaches the Lakers could have considered during their coaching search.
“But I look at it the same way as other players who have done a lot of important work. We have my boy David Vanterpool here in Washington. We also have Sam Cassel. There are a lot of players who have experience. All these players have experience and get noticed just because they're doing podcasts and that's the “it” thing in this generation right now. ”
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Before taking the Lakers coaching job, Redick hosted the podcast “The Old Man and the Three.” He also co-hosted the podcast “Mind the Game” with four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
At his inaugural press conference, Redick acknowledged that he has no experience as an NBA coach.
“I've never coached in the NBA before, I don't know if you've heard that,” Redick said with a wry grin.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke to the media during his induction press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. (Jayne Kamin Onsia/USA Today Sports)
However, one reporter followed up on Redick's remarks by asking if he had listened to the critics and naysayers and if he was trying to dispel any “misconceptions” about him becoming the team's next head coach. .
“That's a legitimate question, and I've certainly heard them all,” Reddick responded. “It’s been a really interesting six or so weeks just in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry, it’s been really interesting.
“But I don't have a very good answer to your question, because I don't really like it. To be honest, I want to be the coach of the Lakers. I want to be the coach of the team. I don't want to dispel anything. I want to be a great coach in the NBA and I want my players to get the most out of their careers. ”
JJ Redick before Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 9, 2024 in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Redick spent 15 seasons in the NBA, but Francis suggested Redick might have a hard time getting his message across in the Lakers' locker room. He also predicted that James would basically ignore Coach Redick.
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“What's going to happen is like if Darvin Ham was the coach. LeBron isn't going to listen to a word of J.J.,” Francis added. “Why listen to him? If he's coaching me, I won't listen to him.'' You know what I'm doing, so please tell me.' to someone else. ”
“So it's definitely going to be difficult for him to get over it and the camaraderie with him and the circus around his son is going to be a lot of distraction for the new coach, and we'll see what happens. I'll see.'
The Lakers have three preseason games remaining before the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22nd.
FOX News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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