Richard Jefferson says JJ Redick’s biggest challenge as a coach isn’t his basketball IQ, it’s learning how to communicate it. On Road Trippin’, the former forward explained that Redick can sometimes be “too smart for his own good,” but he’s improving at simplifying his message to players.
“Yes, but I think he’s learning that being dumber is better,” Jefferson said. “No, he’s learning the value in being dumber, right? No, he’s learning the value. No ’cause you can be so smart, but if you can’t get your point across, eventually you start to feel frustrated and like, ‘Am I crazy?’ And it’s like, no, sometimes you can simplify things, and you are smarter.”
Redick was hired for his advanced knowledge of the sport and his efforts helped the Lakers land the third seed in the West last season. Still, after his first full season on the job, JJ Redick needs to understand the importance of simplicity with his players and knowing how not to overcomplicate the game.
“Some of the smartest people in the world are the ones who have the ability to simplify complicated things. It’s not just how smart you are,” Jefferson added. “Can you simplify something that’s complicated? And I think that’s something that J.J.’s getting better at.”
People respond differently to different types of feedback, and a coach must know which methods work for each player. For someone like LeBron James, who is notorious for his basketball IQ, it’s not a problem to keep up with advanced schemes and tactics on the floor. He can easily meet JJ’s standards, and it’s no surprise given their personal relationship as friends.
For younger players, however, it takes more time to adjust and it may not be the best for their development. While they get a glimpse into the workings of an organized and competitive team, not being able to play through mistakes limits what kind of role they can have in JJ’s system. That’s not to mention the players who aren’t as mentally versed in the game, and may not understand how to maximize their play in a team-oriented environment.
For now, all the Lakers can do is wait it out and hope for the best. Despite his flaws and inexperience, Redick is well respected across the league and he’s shown that he knows how to run a basketball team. After going 50-32 in his very first season, the Lakers offered him an extension and now he’s set to be their coach for years to come.
With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the roster is loaded with talent and they have the depth to support all five positions on the court. On paper, everything is in place for a stellar Lakers season and the pressure is on Redick to make it work. Fortunately, he seems more than up for the task and the results have been great so far.
The truth is, Jefferson’s critique doesn’t take away from what JJ Redick has already accomplished. In just one season, he brought stability and direction back to the Lakers, something they were desperate for. If he continues to grow in how he connects with players and keeps his system simple, the Lakers have the talent to turn his vision into real success. Now it’s on JJ to prove he can balance his basketball IQ with the ability to communicate it in a way that brings out the best in every player.
