JJ Redick finally faced his first official NBA match as head coach and proved himself worthy of the opportunity, leading his team to victory over the Timberwolves. Despite winning the season opener, the 40-year-old already has a very specific request for the NBA that might sound absurd to many.
Have you ever considered that a new basketball could be a problem for athletes? Well, the Lakers coach certainly thinks so, and he wasted no time in voicing his concerns. Redick announced his intention to ask the NBA for “worn-in basketballs.”
“I’m going to send in a request for the league [Wednesday] so that we can play with worn-in basketballs [going forward],” JJ stated. “I’m being dead serious – I’m not sure why we’re playing in real games with brand new basketballs.”
JJ Redick was displeased with the NBA using brand-new basketballs in favor of basketballs already broken in 🤷♂️ pic.com/gyCYvwGyeC
— Ball Exclusives (@ballexclusives) October 23, 2024
During the postgame interviews, the purple and gold coach could hear part of the press laughing at his remarks. “You think I’m joking?” the rookie coach asked the media attendees. “I’m neurotic.”
The former NBA star turned analyst and broadcaster believes there was a direct correlation between the new basketballs used during the game and his team’s struggles from beyond the arc. His players only made 5-for-30 from range but still managed to beat Minnesota by seven points.
“We got great looks, and there were even some open threes in the second half,” JJ recalled, as the Lakers only shot 16.7% from the three-point line, compared to their opponents’ 31.7%. “We just couldn’t knock ’em down. Anyone who’s ever handled a new NBA ball knows it’s different from a worn-in basketball… give the guys the opportunity to pick a good basketball.”
There was a poignant moment when Bronny attempted a three-pointer but missed his shot. “We wanted that three to go in,” teammate Anthony Davis said after recording 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks. “Bron threw it to him, and we wanted, obviously, for that to go in. But just looking at them checking in at the same time at the scorer’s table, it gave me a little chills.”
LeBron and Bronny James Officially the First Father and Son Duo to Play Together in the NBA
This NBA season has begun, with one of the biggest stories unfolding on Tuesday evening as LeBron and Bronny James became the first father and son duo to play together in league history. Luckily, the Lakers secured a win against the Timberwolves on opening night.
Just like a scene from a movie, the James duo took to the court together when they both checked in with 4 minutes left in the second quarter. This marked the 20-year-old’s rookie debut on the big stage, while LeBron had already played 13 minutes before coming back in with his son.
As both players rose from the bench, the Crypto.com Arena erupted in excitement. “That moment, us being at the scorer’s table together and checking in together, something I will never forget,” the 39-year-old said after the game. “No matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I get older or whatever, I will never forget that moment.”
The rookie was focused on performing at his best. “I tried not to focus on everything that was going on around me and tried to focus on going in as a rookie and not trying to mess up,” Bronny expressed. “But yeah, I totally did feel the energy, and I appreciate the Laker Nation for showing the support for me and my dad.”
