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Retiring JJ Redick Transformed His Career From a Major Bust to an All-Time Elite NBA Shooter

September 22, 2021

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JJ Redick is one of the most talented shooters in NBA history. He was a major bust with the Orlando Magic, but his career took off when he moved to Philadelphia and became a member of the 76ers.

JJ Redick was a major bust for the Philadelphia 76ers after being drafted in 2006. He was traded to Orlando Magic in 2009, and then transformed his career from a major bust to an all-time elite NBA shooter.

For a while, it seemed like former Duke standout JJ Redick’s NBA career might be cut short. Redick, a two-time All-American for Duke, earned the Naismith and Wooden trophies for National Player of the Year in a close race with former Gonzaga star Adam Morrison (speaking of busts). However, he was selected 11th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

His career did not start off well, as he spent his first three seasons on the end of Orlando’s bench. He graduated from Duke as the NCAA’s all-time 3-point shooter and went on to have a 15-year NBA career as one of the most lethal shooters in history. After an injury-plagued season divided between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks, Redick announced his retirement on Sept. 21. As a key role player for two title candidates, Redick pieced together an outstanding career.

Even from the 11th pick in the draft, JJ Redick was destined to be a failure.

JJ Redick struggled to get minutes in his first three seasons with the Magic. Over his first three seasons, he appeared in just 140 of 246 games, averaging fewer than 15 minutes a game when he did not wear warmups. He scored just 5.5 points a game during that time and shot 40.7 percent overall, but he did shoot 38.1 percent from outside the arc.

Redick eventually developed into a valuable reserve for the Magic, averaging 15.1 points per game in 2012–13 before being dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks at the February deadline.

That season was a game-changer for him. Redick joined the Bucks on a four-year, $27.8 million contract before being traded to the Clippers in a sign-and-trade transaction. During his time in Los Angeles, he became a crucial floor spacer for a club that flirted with contention. In 2015–16, he was the NBA’s best 3-point shooter, hitting 47.5 percent of his tries on 5.6 attempts a game.

Redick’s continuous movement off screens allowed big players DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin to work in the interior, as well as point guard Chris Paul to penetrate and find shooters. Before Luke Kennard surpassed him with 44.6 percent last season, he was the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-point accuracy at 44.0 percent.

Redick is on an even higher level as a long-range shooter.

Few players can match JJ Redick’s volume and accuracy from three-point range.

JJ Redick (4) ends his career as one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. | Getty Images/Sean Gardner

JJ Redick made $116.4 million in 15 NBA seasons, converting his shooting talent into a profitable skill.

The Sporting News’ Micah Adams tweeted a revealing fact regarding Redick’s lengthy career.

Only four players are in the top 20 in both made 3-pointers and 3-point % all-time. The first three are self-evident. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors’ Splash Brothers, are also on the list. Kyle Korver, the runner on some of the best Atlanta Hawks teams in the past decade, is the third.

Redick is the quartet’s fourth member.

With 1,950 career hits, he is 15th all-time, and his 41.5 percent from deep ranks 17th. Curry is ranked second and eighth, respectively, because to his ridiculous shooting. Thompson and Korver are ranked 20th and 14th, respectively, whereas Thompson and Korver are ranked 4th and 10th, respectively.

The retiring message from Redick is one of appreciation.

JJ Redick took to social media to thank many individuals who contributed to his achievement after declaring the end of his active career:

“It’s the first team. The last group. I’m very thankful for everything in between…. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way in my career.”

Redick said that there are more chapters to be explored in the future.

He said, “I have some clarity now.” “And I’m aware that it’s beyond my bedtime. It’s time for me to take on the role of father. It’s time for me to reflect, take a breather, and prepare for the next stage of my life.”

It’s no accident that Redick’s entrance with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017 coincided with the team’s transformation from “The Process” to “The Playoff Team.” He provided expertise and floor space, enabling rising players Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid to reach new heights with their skills.

In August 2020, while playing for the Pelicans in the NBA playoffs, he started the famous The Old Man and the 3 podcast. That is likely to continue when he retires.

JJ Redick eventually recovered from a rocky start in the NBA to become a valuable role player and a top shooter for several top teams. He never made it big, but he managed to get rid of the bust label along the road.

Basketball Reference provided the statistics. Spotrac provided contract details.

JJ Redick Went From Being One of the Most Hated College Players in History to Earning Nearly $116 Million and Becoming One of the Best 3-Point Shooters in NBA History

JJ Redick is a former NBA player that was labeled as a major bust. When he decided to retire, he transformed his career into an all-time elite shooter. Reference: jj redick career high.