Shaquille O’Neal disagrees with recent comparisons between JJ Redick and Pat Riley. During his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” O’Neal pushed back against McAfee’s remark that some NBA insiders view Redick as “the next Pat Riley.”
Lakers Hall-of-Famer Thinks JJ Redick Is Not The Next Pat Riley
“Stop it,” O’Neal said. “No. First of all, JJ is a nice guy. Pat Riley is the man. So, imagine you come in (as a player) and JJ Redick starts yelling at you. It’s gonna be a (expletive) fight in there. Players ain’t going for all that yelling and all that screaming and all that extra running. Next Pat Riley, my a—.”
Similarities between JJ Redick and Pat Riley’s Coaching Paths
The similarities between JJ Redick and Pat Riley stem from their career paths, as both transitioned from playing to broadcasting before accepting head coaching roles in the NBA. However, their journeys diverge in key ways. Riley spent nearly two seasons as an assistant coach for the Lakers before becoming head coach. Redick, on the other hand, has no prior professional coaching experience, making his move to the top coaching job with the Lakers particularly noteworthy.
As the new head coach of the Lakers, Redick has a lot to prove. After finishing as the eighth seed in the Western Conference with 47 wins last season, the Lakers are projected to win 44.5 games this season, according to various betting markets. The only major additions to their roster were Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, making Redick’s influence all the more important in determining whether the team can contend.
What Should Redick Do?
To get the Lakers back into title contention, Redick will need to tap into his playing and broadcasting experience. Known for his high basketball IQ and sharp shooting during his playing days, Redick can bring a modern, analytical approach to the game, which could resonate with today’s players. His time as an analyst also gave him insight into various coaching philosophies and strategies, which he can now apply in Los Angeles.
One area where Redick could make a significant impact is in his handling of star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If he can earn their respect and trust, Redick’s tenure could get off to a strong start. His communication skills, honed both as a player and broadcaster, will be crucial in this regard. It also helps that he and LeBron co-hosted the ‘Mind the Game’ Podcast. Though he doesn’t have Riley’s imposing presence, Redick’s ability to relate to today’s generation of players may help him succeed in ways Riley might not have.
Riley’s coaching tenure with the Lakers was defined by his ability to manage star talent and instill a strong sense of discipline. He led the Showtime Lakers to four championships, and his demanding coaching style brought out the best in Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Redick may not have the same fiery approach, but he could make the Riley comparisons more legitimate by emphasizing hard work and accountability while balancing that with modern player management techniques.
The Last Word
Ultimately, while the Redick-Riley comparisons might feel premature to some, Redick’s first season as the Lakers’ head coach will give him the opportunity to chart his own course. If he can adapt quickly and get the best out of his roster, the comparisons may not seem so far-fetched after all. The pressure is on, and Redick has the chance to prove that he can lead one of the NBA’s most storied franchises back to glory.
