The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant changes to their coaching staff this summer, a move that has both surprised and intrigued many in the basketball community. Darvin Ham has been replaced by JJ Redick as the team's head coach. While Redick's appointment marks a drastic shift from conventional hiring practices, it's one that brings a mixture of skepticism and excitement, given Redick's complete lack of prior coaching experience.
Redick is transitioning to coaching after a celebrated playing career and a successful stint in sports media. Despite his inexperience on the bench, the Lakers' president Jeanie Buss expressed confidence in Redick's vision and approach. "We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision. I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us," Buss explained. She emphasized that patience would be key to allowing Redick to establish his methodology, adding, "I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don't want to hype it and say it's gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."
Joining Redick on the bench are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Buss underscored the importance of this new coaching team, noting, "I'm really impressed with his staff. Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there's a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach. Certainly, a 12-year career in the league, he's got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about, and I think he'll be a great leader."
Redick’s appointment signals a shift from the strategic tendencies under Ham. The Lakers under Ham ranked fourth in post-up possessions per game last season at 7.3, 28th in 3-point attempts per game at 31.4, and 29th in offensive rebounding rate at 24.4%. Despite these shortcomings, the team finished 15th in offensive rating with a score of 115.4. Addressing these areas is central to Redick's plans. He aims to increase the team's 3-point attempts and improve offensive rebounding. Moreover, there will be an emphasis on running more organized offensive sets. Redick has a clear directive: "I'm going to use math."
Redick's methodology extends beyond numbers and tactics. Creating a positive team culture and focusing on player development are cornerstones of his coaching ethos. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it. I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group. And does everybody in the building, not just the players and staff, does everybody in the building enjoy coming to work every day? That's sort of on me to create that culture," Redick articulated.
This fresh approach is already manifesting itself as promising, with players reportedly showing up voluntarily for practice even during the offseason. The early response from the squad is a testament to the potential influence Redick's leadership style could have on improving team morale and cohesion.
The blend of Redick's innovative vision and the seasoned expertise of his assistant coaches could herald a new era for the Lakers. However, the ultimate validation will come from performance on the court. With a focus on analytics, an invigorating culture, and an experienced supporting cast, the Lakers are betting on Redick to spearhead a turnaround.
Only time will reveal the true impact of these changes, but the optimism surrounding Redick's potential is palpable. Jeanie Buss's willingness to take a bold step indicates a broader strategy within the Lakers' organization to be innovative and forward-thinking in their approach to competitions and player development. While Redick may be a rookie in coaching circles, his basketball IQ and fresh perspective could very well be the catalyst for the Lakers' next chapter of success.