Amid JJ Redick Signing, Shaquille O’Neal’s Ex-Agent Drops Bitter Phil Jackson-Lakers Memory (Exclusive)

A gamble is in order. The Los Angeles Lakers went the daunting way and decided to hire JJ Redick on a four-year deal. It’s a make or break for the Lake Show and for LeBron James (if he stays in LA, that is). The former Sixer had been linked to the prestigious franchise since he and Bron began ‘Mind the Game’ podcast. His hiring has sparked a wave of media personalities congratulating him. However, from an analytical standpoint, there is a lot to worry and EssentiallySports’ latest exclusive has peeled through the onion layers.

During our NBA correspondent Vishal Kolar’s conversation with Leonard Armato, an ex-agent of Shaq, the marketing trailblazer explained how not gaining the acceptance of players could be a critical worry for the Redick on his new job. This was exactly when Mr Armato went down the memory lane to draw a fitting parallel.

Vishal: “Obviously, the Lakers are in the mainstream media news more than ever with their recruitment of Dan Hurley as the coach and from the outside looking in it looked like it was a done deal and they were about to give him a record contract that would be Monty Williams’ deal with the Pistons. And to my surprise, they significantly came under that and I think it was underwhelming for them to read the situation at UConn to come to LA. What were your thoughts about when you first heard about Hurley coming to LA and did you think it was actually realistic that he would take the job?”

Armato: “Well I didn’t know and I thought the Lakers might be pretty persuasive getting him to take that job because it’s such a storied franchise. He probably thought long and hard about it because it is a challenge no question. And it makes me think back to when Shaq was with the Lakers and Kobe was together with him and the beginning of their relationship and how there was a little bit of tension that existed. Then it took like a year for like Phil Jackson to come in and figure out how to really paint the picture so these two alpha males could get along together, could play together, to appreciate each other, to feed of each other. You know, that all worked and that all happened. It’s very interesting in the NBA now.” 

If the legendary Phil Jackson had to manage a star duo’s feud to get them the rings, an inexperienced yet promising JJ Redick will have to command respect of those that have accomplished far more on-court success than him. And that will take more than drawing plays.

The savvy agent goes on to explain how in the modern day star players have the major chunk of the power. It’s to a degree that NBA coaches find it difficult to gain authority. A bitter pill to swallow, this one.

Armato: “These star athletes can look at most coaches and say I make more than you, I know more than you. You can’t tell me anything. And by the way, if I don’t like you and the team doesn’t get rid of you, I’m going to go somewhere else. Phil Jackson might be last of the Mohicans and maybe Gregg Popovich. The last of the Mohicans. The last of the respected coaches that just really add every single player looking at them with reverence. And I think Popovich still has that due to his great history of success. I think Phil Jackson had that”

That Redick has never coached any professional basketball before is a chink in his armor. The responsibility with the Lakers will be his maiden charge. The pressure of mounting a storied franchise like Lakers is a shivering task for any first-timer. But the more nuanced problem is his respect among those in the locker rooms. With sensations like LeBron James and Anthony Davis walking those quarters, how can Redick be the authoritative voice?

Armato mentions how two stern egos like Shaq and Kobe Bryant fell below the allure of Jackson. In the modern day, the dynamic has changed drastically. There have been several instances of NBA players taking a dig at their coaches. Superstars of the league have become the kingpins. So managing the ego of these All-Stars and at the same time fighting for an 18th franchise title will be a mammoth task for someone with that resume.

It will take tremendous work to gain their allegiance. However, the doors aren’t closed. Redick has been an NBA players and understands their sentiments better than anyone else. By actually being on the floor, he has a different perspective, one much more direct than NBA coaches. If his schemes work, the respect will follow thereafter.

Why JJ Redick could end up being a good coach

From the time he began his podcast, JJ Redick has been expertly dismantling the game and showing his mental prowess. His strategic brain even goes as far as drawing up plays. However, nothing is known about his player management. But it seems he himself sees that as his most acclaimed trait of all.

“I feel like I know the game pretty well because of some coaches I’ve played for, really Coach K. He taught me about adaptability, and our game, the NBA, changes so fast year to year, having the mindset of being open to change. One of my greatest skills as a human being. is communicating in an open and transparent way. I think that’s part of coaching—not avoiding things and not avoiding confrontation. I look at coaching as a way to help” Redick TNT’s Taylor Rooks.

Having seen Mike Krzyzewski when playing his infamous college basketball for Duke, Redick has picked up some prized coaching tricks. Moreover, reading the great coach’s habits was another part of his development into an analytical freak. If he plays his cards right, JJ Redick could be a great coach. However, nothing can be said for certain.

That’s all from this segment of our interview with the sports marketer. There is more to unravel from the third episode with Leonard Armato. But before that, don’t forget to drop comments and help us with your opinion on this hiring. Yay or Nay?