JJ Redick has been one of the biggest highlights of First Take over the last few months. Since retiring from the NBA, Redick has transitioned into the next phase of his career; the media.
Redick already had a successful podcast while he was playing, but is now trying to become the next NBA star to transition from the league to broadcast media. And his interaction with Patrick Beverley from First Take has shown just what he brings to the table.
During a discussion previewing the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics’ first encounter in the Eastern Conference Finals, the panel was asked which player between Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler has more to prove. Redick noted that both players are very similar; big wings who can play on both ends of the court.
Patrick Beverley seemingly questioned Jayson Tatum’s defensive ability, asking Redick whether he said Tatum could play on both ends of the court. Redick confirmed that is what he said, and then asked Beverley whether he saw Tatum’s defensive performance in the Celtics’ first-round sweep against the Brooklyn Nets.
JJ Redick: “It’s a tough question because I think they’re both fantastic players. In some ways theyre similar players, big wings that play both sides of the basketball.
Patrick Beverley: “You said they play both sides?”
JJ Redick: “Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum, yeah.”
Patrick Beverley: “Jayson Tatum plays both sides?”
JJ Redick: “Yeah. Did you watch the Nets series at all?”
Patrick Beverley: “Yeah, little bit.”
Redick has become extremely popular as a panelist on First Take, with many saying that he brings some excellent takes and great analysis to a show that had become a little too reliant on garnering interest through controversial takes.
Redick garnered a lot of praise recently for the way he shut down ‘Mad Dog’ Chris Russo over his comments on Draymond Green. Green himself praised Redick for the way he handled Russo’s comments, whereas James endorsed Redick’s comments.
The perspective that Redick can bring as a former NBA player who played in the league very recently is extremely valuable to First Take, and there is no doubt that we will be hearing more from him as the playoffs continue.
