The Charlotte Hornets are determined to get out of the league’s cellar. There was some hope this season as rookie Brandon Miller looked like the real deal. Head coach Steve Clifford left the team (again), and the search for a new head coach has begun. NBA insider Shams Charania is reporting that an interesting name has been added to the list of candidates. 15-year NBA veteran JJ Reddick is reportedly interviewing for the position.
Charlotte Hornets Interviewing JJ Reddick
The Charlotte Hornets are interviewing JJ Redick for their head coaching job, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 15-year NBA veteran and former Duke star has shown an interest in making a coaching jump in recent years.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 22, 2024
JJ Redick came onto the scene when he was with Duke. His sharpshooting made him an essential role player on many great teams. With the rise of the three-point shot over the past two decades, Redick’s skill set became invaluable. He retired from the league in 2021 and has been serving as an NBA analyst for ESPN. People have liked what the former player has to say, and he has been promoted to the top broadcast crew.
Redick has never coached formally but has expressed interest. He reportedly interviewed for the Toronto Raptors job last year, and now the Charlotte Hornets are interested. The former sharpshooter has earned a lot of respect around the league, and many former players have started to find head coaching gigs. What does this Charlotte Hornets team have to offer?
State Of The Hornets
The team finished 21-61 this season and are on their way to a top-three lottery pick. However, this team isn’t void of talent. LaMelo Ball has shown elite skills when he is healthy. The aforementioned Brandon Miller is there, along with Duke alum Mark Williams. That is a solid young core to build around.
It also helps that the Charlotte Hornets are in the Eastern Conference, which is the easiest conference in which to make a push for a playoff spot. This is the first full offseason for the new ownership group, which bought the team from Michael Jordan last year. It will be interesting to see what direction they decide to take the franchise.
The Rise Of Player Coaches
The Charlotte Hornets are following a trend in the past few years in hiring young former players. Jason Kidd is in his tenth season as a head coach. Steve Nash had a run with the Brooklyn Nets. Steve Kerr has successfully guided the Warriors dynasty. Tyron Lue has won a championship, and Chauncey Billups got his chance with the Trail Blazers. Franchises are looking to younger former players to connect with their team.
This seems like a good idea for the Charlotte Hornets. They need someone who can connect with the young core. JJ Redick is one of the most respected people in the game of basketball. Ultimately, the Hornets may be doing their due diligence. There is never any harm in bringing someone in for an interview. It will be interesting to see who the new ownership group picks to lead this team back to relevance in the NBA.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. It does not matter what sport he is talking about; he tends to be an expert in it. When he is not glued to following sports, he is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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