Three months after JJ Redick’s public rant about Doc Rivers’ lack of accountability, the Milwaukee Bucks head coach has finally responded. Rivers’ recent comments on The Stephen A. Smith Show have stirred the pot even further, suggesting that Redick’s criticism stems from personal resentment.
A Closer Look at JJ Redick’s Critique
JJ Redick had previously lambasted Rivers for never taking responsibility for his actions, a sentiment that evidently struck a nerve. “JJ’s had a problem with me for a while,” Rivers said, addressing the issue head-on. He elaborated, “If you make decisions that the player doesn’t agree with, in JJ’s case, we didn’t sign him back. With the Clippers, I stopped playing him as much because he wasn’t very effective in the playoffs. That’s all known.”
Doc Rivers clearly believes that Redick’s grievances are more about personal dissatisfaction than professional critique. This perspective aligns with Rivers’ further comments, suggesting that Redick owes a portion of his career success to him.
Doc Rivers Takes Credit for JJ Redick’s Career
During his appearance on the show, Doc Rivers didn’t hold back from taking credit for JJ Redick’s achievements. “JJ Redick’s best numbers of his career were under one coach and you’re looking at him. Right here,” Rivers asserted. He continued, “I’m the one who grabbed him out of Milwaukee and decided to start him. From that point on, his career took off…”
It’s a bold claim and one that has raised eyebrows in the NBA community. While Redick’s tenure under Rivers was indeed successful, the narrative that Rivers single-handedly saved his career doesn’t tell the full story.
The Real Numbers Behind JJ Redick’s Career
JJ Redick’s career stats paint a different picture. Before joining the Clippers, JJ Redick was already a notable player, averaging 15.1 points per game and shooting 45% from the field and 39% from deep during his last season in Orlando. He was also a crucial part of the Orlando Magic team that reached the NBA Finals in 2009. Clearly, Redick was a sought-after player long before Rivers brought him to Los Angeles.
Moreover, the claim that Redick’s best numbers were under Rivers isn’t entirely accurate. While it’s true that Redick shot a career-high 47.5% from beyond the arc during the 2015-16 season with the Clippers, his overall scoring peaked during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. Under head coach Brett Brown, Redick averaged 18.1 points per game in the 2018-19 season, surpassing any season he had with the Clippers.
Doc Rivers and JJ Redick Feud Continues
This back-and-forth between Doc Rivers and JJ Redick adds another layer to their complex relationship. Redick’s critique that Rivers never takes accountability contrasts sharply with Rivers’ insistence on his role in Redick’s success. By focusing on personal grudges, Rivers seems to sidestep the broader issues raised by Redick about coaching and responsibility.
As the offseason progresses, the tension between these two former allies remains a hot topic. NBA fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this story unfolds, particularly if Redick secures a head coaching position himself. Should that happen, a future face-off between Redick and Rivers would undoubtedly be one for the books.
Doc Rivers and JJ Redick Feud Intensifies
The drama between Doc Rivers and JJ Redick is far from over. Rivers’ recent comments only add fuel to the fire, intensifying the debate about his accountability and coaching methods. Whether this feud will simmer down or escalate further is yet to be seen. For now, the basketball world watches with bated breath, awaiting the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
