Pistons News: JJ Redick Emerges as Key Candidate After Jeanie Buss’ Reported Shift Amid Monty Williams’ Availability

Ever since Darvin Ham was let go by the Lakers in early May, everyone has been on the edge to know the name of his replacement. For quite some time, that person was looking likely to be UConn’s head coach Dan Hurley. But after he reportedly declined, rumors started swirling that the franchise may have gone back to their original pick: ex-Magic player JJ Redick. Unfortunately, a confirmation about Bron’s podcast pal securing the top spot is not set to come out anytime soon.

ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski put out the update that “the Lakers have still NOT offered their head coaching position to JJ Redick yet”, via @LakersLead on X. This breaking news comes only a couple of days after it was reported that the former player met with the franchise representatives for an interview. Woj’s update comes just as a couple of analysts, including Anthony F. Irwin, had reported that the Redick-Lakers partnership was a done deal. However, with Woj and Shams Charania denying the same, Irwin went against the two reporters for not “citing” the sources.

JJ Redick may have emerged as the key candidate, but the Lakers are still putting him on hold. This gives a chance for other individuals to shine. Along with James Borrego, rumored to be Anthony Davis’ top choice for HC, another candidate that can rise through the list is the recently available Monty Williams. Having served as head coach of the Pistons during the 2023-24 season, he was recently relieved by the franchise after it recorded a 14-68 win record, one of the worst ever.

According to Yahoo Sports writer Vince Goodwill, Monty Williams’ availability has changed things, since the Pistons are now considering JJ Redick as a “name to watch” in their own coaching search via @bballforever_ on X. This way, even if Jeanie Buss and the rest of the Lakers management reject him, the former player will have another option to fall back on, should he be interested.

Interestingly, during his latest appearance on the air, Adrian Wojnarowski expressed confidence in JJ Redick by stating that he is “a different hire than what Dan Hurley would have been”, quoting his high basketball IQ. However, many are not in the same boat.

Stephen A. Smith is open to having Monty Williams as Head Coach instead of JJ Redick!

It didn’t take long for people to put Monty Williams on a pedestal after he was let go by the Detroit Pistons. It certainly gave hope to those who didn’t choose to give much thought to JJ Redick’s candidacy due to his lack of experience. One of the first people to share his reaction was Stephen A. Smith. On First Take the 56-year-old highlighted how he and his co-hosts have been considering Redick as HC amongst a field of potential candidates for quite some time. However, he would then state that “With Monty Williams available, that is a situation the Los Angeles Lakers should look at”.

He expressed his full confidence in Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, further adding, “I’m rooting for (Jeanie Buss) to find the right person for the job.” His remarks come just a few days after he made headlines for his opinion about JJ Redick and LeBron James’ ‘Mind the Game’ podcast. Smith put out a claim that “Black coaches called me about their dissatisfaction with the timing of the podcast. I believe it’s obvious to you that their feelings are valid”. Given that the high-grossing podcast was launched while Darvin Ham was still serving as Lakers HC, Smith pointed out that the timing was a bit inappropriate.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.