JJ Redick becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked a wide-ranging debate. Some experts have questioned his ability to lead since it is his first time as a head coach. On the other hand, some are worried about the tremendous and fable expectations the Purple and Gold will subject the sharpshooter to. However, what are the thoughts of people who once played with Redick? Do they think he has the strategic prowess and mentality to manage a storied franchise such as the Lakers? Recently, Paul George called upon an old friend on his podcast, and he had an interesting perspective.

PG13 called upon DeAndre Jordan on the newest episode of Podcast P. The Nuggets center was asked about the Lakers’ latest hiring of Redick. Having seen him up close on a daily basis, Jordan had some insights to offer. One of them warned the veteran guard of the Lakers’ ruthless nature.

“It’s a tough job, in my opinion. Of course, that team has won 17 championships. They are expected to win. They hold everybody to a high standard, P as you know. They are not going to treat him like a first-year first-head coaching experience head coach. It’s going to be like you’re expected to come here win and that’s it,” Jordan expressed while on Podcast P.

However, he also believes Redick is cut out from the toughest of clothes since his days as a college superstar at Duke. During that spell, Redick was not just a top prospect with enormous pressure but also one of the most criticized and despised college stars. That’s the reason the Nuggets center believes JJ Redick can thrive at his new position. Although, he did have one selfish wish as he stated, “I just hope you know whenever they play the Nuggets that he doesn’t succeed”.

It’s not astonishing that the Lakers expect Redick to transform the roster. Although this may be his first time as a head coach, being entrusted with the biggest franchise automatically puts him under pressure. The LA media is not considerate in those regards. Every mistake will be highlighted, doubts will creep in very soon and it will be a major transition for Redick, who is switching from being the one commenting on coaches to now being judged for his decisions.

It’s a new experience. However, Redick has faced a wave of distaste before. It shouldn’t rattle the Lakers head coach that easily.

JJ Redick and DeAndre Jordan’s history

As much as the Lakers’ allure consumed the City of Angel, the Los Angeles Clippers were ‘the team’. They were eccentric and unique termed as the ‘Lob City Clippers’. Jordan was among the premier highflyers who played an integral part in making that team as great as it was. Chris Paul was the point throwing passes from beyond half-court.

Yet what made the Clippers so dangerous during that period was their flexibility. They didn’t just have freaks like Blake Griffin and Jordan. CP3 could go on a scoring spree and then there were floor spacers such as Redick. He and Jordan shared the floor for four years with the Duke alumnus hitting his peak in LA.

At his best, Redick was considered one of the best shooters, period. In 2015, he went nuclear, averaging 16.3 points off the bench while hitting the three at a 47.5% clip. Unfortunately, because of interior conflict and injuries, the Clippers could never ascend to the very top. But they remain and will be one of the most enthralling and entertaining teams to witness.