Lakers JJ Redick Expresses Respect for Short-Handed Mavericks
DALLAS—Although JJ Redick has a history of arrogance at Duke, his NBA playing career didn't carry the same tone. The sharpshooter also played it straight during his podcast era, seldom shooting from the hip. Redick's coaching career maintains the same energy, save for his recent comments about the NBA media. Redick expressed respect for the short-handed Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks host the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday evening, with TNT hosting the event. Typically, such a matchup with a grand platform broadcasting the game would make for an entertaining evening. However, in light of the Mavericks' injury issues, the game is likely in danger of becoming bathroom break material.
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Yet, despite a Jason Kidd rotation without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and now Daniel Gafford, Redick doesn't believe the Lakers can rest on their wounded opponents.
During pregame media availability, Redick provided a glimpse of his fears and respect regarding competing in the NBA.
“The upmost respect and fear. It’s NBA players…Even without two superstars, they have a deep roster with another nine really good NBA players that can either score, defend, both…There’s a reason that they made the Finals last year," Redick said. "There’s a reason that a lot of people think they’re one of the true contenders in the West, and I don’t think our group will take them lightly…”
While Redick perceives the Mavericks as a threat, their recent results suggest otherwise. Dallas is on a five-game losing streak, with no return for either superstar in sight. Furthermore, the Mavericks slipped from the fourth to the sixth seed, which the Lakers ascended past them during their struggles, which included games with Irving playing.
Nonetheless, considering the professionals on the Mavericks and their competitive spirit, the losing streak must end. Redick understands the power of odds and, more importantly, the dangers of falling to an underdog-driven team.
While fans may roll their eyes at the idea of Anthony Davis and LeBron James falling to a superstar-less Mavericks unit, Redick can't afford for his team to succumb to arrogance, which he genuinely lived through during his college years.
Perhaps Redick simply motivated his team to maintain their hunger regarding his pregame comments. Still, as an ambassador of the game, Redick realizes what it means to genuinely respect an NBA team, especially one with championship aspirations.
Although Doncic remains out due to injury, the team's no-excuse energy remains the same. The Mavericks aspire to fight for their superstar teammate's championship-contending dreams.
