Depending on who you ask, the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to hire JJ Redick is either a stroke of genius or a huge error on the front office’s part.
It’s understandable why some would consider the hiring a waste of time. They were heavily linked with Dan Hurley while the postseason was hitting its peak, but the head coach decided to turn down the opportunity for a chance to complete a three-peat with the UConn Huskies.
Redick has not let this issue get in the way of his preparation for his maiden voyage as a head coach. He already made interesting moves, hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant when he vouched for her abilities as a tactician years ago.
But while the Duke Blue Devil legend is making strides this offseason, some people still doubt whether he is the right man for the job. One of these critics is surprisingly a former teammate of his.
Joel Embiid questions whether the Los Angeles Lakers is the right place for JJ Redick to start his coaching career
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid had the chance to play with Redick when the sharpshooter spent two seasons with the team, so he has a first-hand understanding of how great of a basketball mind he has.
However, he agrees with everyone in questioning his move to take on such a high-profile job as his first head-coaching gig.
Per Basketball Forever’s Duncan McColl:
“If I was him, I don’t know if that’s a perfect situation,” Embiid told The New York Times. “Maybe he thinks that’s a perfect situation. But if you’re coming in, especially with a job like the Lakers, it’s kind of a make-or-break situation, because if you succeed, great, you’re going to be coaching for years. But if you don’t succeed, those coaches are usually bound to be fired within a year or two. I love him, I’m happy for him, but that’s a tough job.”
The Lakers hot seat has been the most volatile position in the NBA, with no head coaches lasting more than three campaigns over the past 13 years.
However, Redick understands the high expectations the organizations and fans have for the roster. He is more than ready to take on the challenge of leading an extremely veteran core back to the pinnacle of the NBA.
Whether he succeeds or ends up without a job next season is an entirely different matter, though.
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