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Today we continue TPASTBM's post-season player grades. This is what we have so far:
Next up, gulp, JJ Redick.
Name: Redick, JJ
Stats: JJ started 5 of the 64 games he appeared in this season. He averaged just over 17 minutes a game, 6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. He shot 87% from the free throw line, 39% from the field and 37% from three point land. 179 of his 299 shots were 3's.
Best Game: JJ's undeniable highlight of the season was Orlando's second round series against the Boston Celtics. His defense against Mr. Ray Allen was impressive. Game 1 of the series saw JJ hold Allen to 2 of 12 shooting (1 of 7 from 3's) and 9 points. On the other side of the floor, JJ scored 12 points on a very productive 3 of 5 shooting. He was 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. He did commit 4 fouls in his 29 minutes on the floor, but his play was still very impressive.
Worst Game: Funny thing that I just talked about JJ's best game being Game 1 against Boston in the second round because JJ's worst effort was Game 2. Granted the entire team came out and laid an egg and Boston routed Orlando 112-94, but JJ managed to foul out in less than 25 minutes. He did score 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting, which was way better than Dwight's 12 points on 5 of 13 shooting, but what Boston's shooting guards did is where the problem was. Ray Allen scored 22 points, and everyone's least favorite NBA player, Eddie House, scored 31 points in 27 minutes. That's right, 3 and 1 on 11 of 14 shooting. Of course this isn't all JJ's fault as Orlando was without Courtney Lee and Pietrus did play 36 minutes, but when the starting SG gets outscored 22-15 AND the backup scores thirty-freaking-one there is a problem. Good thing for the Magic JJ was much better the rest of the series, and that must be mentioned. Ohh, and JJ was ejected from the game for arguing his 6th foul.
Most Memorable Moment: Hmm. He was great in the Kings game in which Orlando broke the record for the most 3 pointers in an NBA game. He hit some great 3's in a few clutch moments throughout the season. When I really think about it, JJ's best play seems to come when Orlando is making a bit of a run, and it looks as if the other coach should call a timeout to get his team under control. Orlando has the ball and kicks it over to JJ for 3. When it leaves his hands you know it's going in, and once it does the other coach burns a timeout. Those are always fun. However, JJ's most memorable moment for the 08-09 season came on November 18th when the 3rd year player from Duke (I bet you didn't know that) earned his first career start. As mentioned earlier, he went on to start 5 games during the year, but that first one must have been nice for the guy.
Offense: JJ was drafted because he can shoot, and score. However, he has yet to find that groove in Orlando that he was so famous for during his college days. At Duke JJ averaged 43% from the field, 40.6% from 3, and 91% from the free throw line. His NBA numbers are slightly lower, with 40.7% from the field, 38% from 3 point land, and 86.6% from the free throw line. However, despite seeing more minutes during the 08-09 season JJ shot career lows in FG% (39.1) and 3P% (37.4). Compared to his previous two season, JJ certainly played more meaningful minutes against stiffer competition, and that can not be left out. However, his youth can no longer be used as an excuse. Sure, his rookie year he was just, well, a rookie. And his second year you could say that he barely played his first year. Unfortunately during his 3rd year he still didn't shot that killer shot that he did at Duke, despite several games of stellar play.
Defense: JJ's defense was a surprise this year. During his first few seasons the common phrase was, "We know the kid can shoot, but Orlando already has a lot of offense with Jameer, Hedo, Shard, and Dwight. What the Magic need at the 2 is DEFENSE!" I'm sure JJ heard this 100 times, and he obviously worked hard to improve on the defensive end of the floor. SVG noticed and was no longer afraid to throw Redick into the defensive fire. Now JJ will never be the defender Shane Battier is, but this season JJ proved he is no longer the unsightly liability he was in the beginning of his career.
Fans Perspective: A lot of Magic fans love JJ Redick. There are often "We want JJ" chants at games and Redick jerseys are still seen around town from time to time. Without a doubt the guy still remains one of the most polarizing athletes today. It seems like you either love him or hate him. Some love his shot and his arrogance confidence. Others despise his pretty boy hair gel and confidence arrogance. Regardless, there is always something to talk about when it comes to Mr. Redick.
Expectations for 2010: With the emergence of rookie Courtney Lee, and the great play of Pietrus during the Cleveland and LA series, what does that leave for JJ? He is in the last year of his contact which might be attractive for teams trying to dump salary for the 2010 free agent class. At the same time, JJ proved this last season that he can produce and contribute, unlike other college stars like Adam Morrison. I expect JJ to be back next season and for him to have a similar season to the 08-09 campaign. He will have several DNP-CD along with a few spot starts and about 12 minutes off the bench. He will not be pleased with his playing time and will leave following next season.
Grade: Although JJ played the best basketball of his NBA career this last season, he has still been a disappointment for most Magic fans. Rookie Courtney Lee outplayed him on both offense and defense. Courtney shot 40% from 3 point land compared to JJ's 37%... And that is where JJ should dominate. Also, Courtney out shot Redick from the floor by 6%. That is a big difference. For someone who was as celebrated as Mr. Redick was out of college, and for as high as the Magic drafted him (11th) three seasons ago, he must be graded accordingly. C-
Shameless Plug:
Be on the lookout for a groundbreaking exposé from The Puns team: "Reddick, FL." A preview:
The modest town in northern central Florida is home to about 500 God fearing Americans. Some say it is named after 19th century hotel and store owner George Bender Reddick, but legend has it the town is named after non other than Mr. JJ Redick. What is the extra D for you might ask? Leading anthropologists say defense. Others... Dysentery.
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