In the NBA, JJ Redick was never anything more than a sharp-shooting role player. But, behind the analyst’s desk (and podcasting space), he is quickly rising the ranks to become a media star.
And now, ESPN is set to recognize his media talent properly for the first time with a brand new multi-year deal.
J.J. Redick is going to have a greatly expanded role on games and the NBA Draft as part of a new three-year deal that will cement him as a main part of ESPN’s NBA coverage, The Post has learned.
Let’s look at what is on the horizon for Redick and ESPN.
Game broadcasts: Redick wanted to do more games, and that is exactly what is going to happen. He is contracted to call a minimum of 25 per year, which is fewer than analysts Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke or Mark Jackson, but it is a significant amount to do more games, and that is exactly what is going to happen…
Redick has really taken his role as a broadcaster seriously. He has apparently impressed ESPN with his ‘eagerness’ to learn the job and his willingness to call low-stakes games in the Summer League.
But the deal for Redick doesn’t end there.
JJ Redick Will Continue To Be A Regular Feature Of ESPN
According to the Post, his role in the Draft and frequent appearances at First Take helped put him over the top at ESPN. As an NBA veteran for over a decade, Redick brings a unique perspective to the network and seems to bring a certain charm that appeals to fans.
Feeling a draft: Redick will have a prominent role on next June’s NBA Draft. What he’ll be doing exactly is still to be determined, but this is a coveted spot and Redick will be right in the middle of things as players turn pro.
First Take: Redick gained attention last season while verbally sparring with Stephen A. Smith and Chris (Mad Dog) Russo on ESPN’s “First Take.” Redick will continue to be on as part of the regular rotation.
In demand: Redick just made a lucrative deal for his podcast, “The Old Man and the Three,” which he hosts with Tommy Alter, to be distributed by Amazon. Turner also showed interest in Redick for its NBA coverage, but negotiations didn’t go far as ESPN was aggressive in keeping Redick.
After the Rachel Nichols debacle a few years ago, ESPN is really trying to be careful with what kind of people they pick to star on the programs.
JJ Redick is still relatively new to the scene, and he has a lot to learn, but he has shown a lot already during his short time in the media world so far. ESPN clearly knows what kind of value he has to them.
