JJ Redick has long been one of the most outspoken voices in basketball media, and a resurfaced video of him dismantling Stephen A. Smith’s take on NBA defense has reignited conversations about Redick’s deep understanding of the game versus Smith’s narrative-driven analysis.
In the clip, which has gone viral once again, Redick calmly and systematically educates Smith on the nuances of NBA defense, hand-checking rules, and illegal defenses in different eras.
“Let me educate you for a second. I have a basic understanding of NBA rules. First of all, hand checking. You weren’t allowed to do it in the scoring area. Secondly, illegal defense. How many times have we seen LeBron James isolated on the left wing and seen that secondary defender flood the box?”
“It’s called flooding the box and coming all the way across. That’s illegal defense. In the NBA, in the 80s and 90s, you could not leave your man. So yes, there’s more space now. There’s also more help. You think about last night and watching him score, taking on two defenders every single time.”
“And by the way, the Jordan rules, I get it, man. There was more physicality for sure. A lot of that was just harder fouls. A lot of that was just harder fouls. Go watch the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns and tell me that was a physical series.”
The exchange stemmed from one of Stephen A. Smith’s many historical comparisons between Michael Jordan’s era and the modern NBA. Smith suggested that Jordan faced a much tougher defensive environment, implying that today’s NBA is “soft” due to rule changes. Redick, never one to let outdated narratives slide, immediately stepped in and broke down why Smith’s take lacked factual accuracy.
He then laid out a detailed explanation of how hand-checking and illegal defense worked in the 1980s and 1990s, noting that defenders were not allowed to leave their man to provide help defense in isolation plays.
Redick’s argument wasn’t just about debunking myths—it was about context. While there was certainly more physicality in the past, the modern game presents different challenges, such as advanced defensive schemes and spacing principles that make scoring just as difficult in different ways.
His example of watching LeBron fight through double-teams every possession highlights how the NBA has evolved rather than simply becoming “easier.”
This wasn’t the first time Redick completely exposed Smith’s lack of in-depth basketball knowledge. Over the years, Redick has regularly called out Smith for his often reactionary and sometimes misleading takes on the game.
One of the most notable instances was during a discussion about LeBron James‘ retirement talk. Redick shut down Smith’s exaggerated response to LeBron considering retirement, pointing out the physical toll of playing 20 seasons and how Smith failed to understand “athletic mortality.”
Another classic moment came when Smith tried to claim Nikola Jokic wasn’t dominant in the post. Redick instantly debunked it with data, explaining that Jokic’s post-ups were statistically the most efficient half-court play in the NBA over the last decade.
Similarly, when Smith suggested that the Clippers should force Kawhi Leonard to retire due to injuries, Redick fired back, saying, “It’s very obvious that you’ve played zero high-level basketball and don’t understand what it takes.”
Fans are rediscovering this moment because it highlights an ongoing issue with mainstream sports media—many analysts rely on broad narratives rather than deep basketball knowledge. Redick, a former NBA player who understands the intricacies of the game, represents a new wave of analysts who challenge outdated takes and bring real substance to discussions.
This clip reinforces why Redick is highly respected in NBA circles. While Smith is an entertainer first and foremost, Redick brings actual basketball IQ to debates, which is why his critiques resonate with both casual fans and hardcore analysts alike.
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