by Kevin Roberts
http://www.castefootball.us
Enough about his Duke career. No more talk about his injuries. Forget about his lack of playing time as a rookie. After showcasing his talent in this year’s summer league, J.J Redick has proven he deserves a chance to play in the NBA.
If Greg Oden can accumulate more fouls than points in his only games in the summer league and still be a probable starter, then Redick deserves the same vote of confidence.
Redick was the 11th pick in last year’s draft, and the last guy picked that high that wasn’t given a fair chance was Luke Jackson. Regardless of whether or not you did think or still think Jackson had what it took to be a star in the NBA, it’s important that you become aware that Redick most certainly does.
What else is important is that I’m not biased. I don’t like Duke, and I don’t like Duke players. I never thought highly of Shelden Williams or Grant Hill, and to keep things in the present time, I think Josh McRoberts was an idiot for going into the draft this year.
But if you take yourself away from the “blown out of proportion” spectacle that is college basketball, you’ll see that Redick is a modern day scorer who can contribute in more than just one way. How many guys can shoot like he can? And by shoot, I’m covering all bases: Free throws to three pointers, and everywhere in between.In this year’s summer league Redick showed everyone he can handle the ball, as well as make like Rip Hamilton without it. His quick release makes him a problem for every defense that will ever face him, and his ability to get to the basket combined with his “ice man” free throw stroke prevents teams from roughing him up and sending him to the line.
And Redick isn’t so one-dimensional that he can’t grab boards, steals, or make a few plays a game. He can be counted on for some creative dishes, solid defense, and timely rebounds.
Comparisons aside, Redick, if given the chance, will be teamed with a still up and coming dominant force inside in Dwight Howard. Not to mention strong play from Jameer Nelson (God willing) and the Peja immitator, Hedo Turkoglu.
Redick registered just thirteen 20 minute games in his rookie season. In those 13 games he averaged just under 10 points per game. Stretch that out over 35 minutes (starter minutes) and he’d be doubling that. And that was just his rookie season.
Redick may never haul in 5 boards a game or even dish out 4 assists per game. He’s a scorer. We all know that. But what we don’t know is how good he truly can be in the NBA’s rising offensive game. His shooting and cerebral play can and will make him a player to be reckoned with.
You’re seeing it here and now: Providing Stan Van Gundy has any sense in him, J.J. Redick will be averaging 16 points a game, if not more, in his second season. Not only that, but with playing time comes experience and confidence. His percentages will skyrocket, and the rest of the game will slowly but surely come to him. It happens with all players given the chance to prove themselves that is, if they have what it takes.