JJ Redick wasn’t going to tolerate a reporter who tried to egg him into creating a narrative about Rui Hachimura. When said reporter asked him about what next steps Rui needed to take to develop, Redick turned the question around onto the reporter, before lambasting him, and saying that he cares more about Rui’s impact on winning rather than whatever ‘next step’ the reporter was referencing.
Reporter: “Do you think Rui could take that next step for you guys?”
JJ Redick: “What is the next step?
Reporter: “You tell me?”
Redick: “You tell me. You’re creating the narrative. What is the next step? I don’t care about the next step for Rui. I care about how he impacts winning on our team. And for me, that’s my next step, and I think he can do that… We have to look for opportunities for him to use his skills, particularly as an iso and post-up player.”
“We have to be cognizant of what his shot profile looks like in terms of mid-range shots, the volume, and percentage of shots he’s taken from the mid-range. I think what we’ve talked about with him, what we’ve continued to emphasize with him, will have a high-level impact on winning.”
JJ Redick answered the Rui question beautifully.
Reporter: Do you think Rui could take that next step for you guys?
JJ: what is the next step?
Reporter: you tell me?
JJ: you tell me, you're creating the narrative… IDC about next step, I care about how he impacts winning. pic.twitter.com/sgr6WX5mXQ
— Devin ☀️ (@DevDock) October 3, 2024
Redick was absolutely fair in calling out the reporter for what he was doing, especially considering the impact it can have on a player’s psyche when there is a negative narrative in the media about them. While the reporter may not have been doing so intentionally, it was right of Redick to shut that down as soon as possible.
Redick was known for being vocal against the media’s habits of creating narratives and sensationalization while he was an on-air personality for ESPN. While his job description may have changed, he still continues to hold members of the media accountable.
Rui Hachimura A Key Piece For The Lakers
JJ Redick spoke earlier in the week about what he discussed with Rui Hachimura after taking the Lakers‘ coaching job. He praised Rui for his performance at the Olympics with Japan and noted that he planned to use him primarily as a 3-and-D player, shooting corner threes and using his role as a defensive wing to its fullest.
Hachimura has been one of the Lakers’ best performers in the last few years outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He made some key shots during their Western Conference Final run in 2023, and played a big part in the offense with the Lakers during last season, averaging 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
He played great basketball with Japan at the Olympics this summer, averaging 22 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1 assist. Hachimura ranked second in points per game at the tournament, but he only played two games in Paris, which helped his numbers greatly.
Rui is expected to be one of the starters for the Lakers next season, along with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell. If he can elevate his game further, and be a more efficient scorer and defender, the Lakers will benefit from that greatly.
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