Over the years several Serbian basketball players have graced the NBA floor. However, not many have had the impact of Nikola Jokic or Bogdan Bogdanovic in the league. The discipline they portray on the court is one of a kind and often inspires the likes of JJ Redick to emulate these stars. However, as coach of the Lakers, the 40-year-old can only try the tactics of Serbian coaches to train his team. But, he can surely make stars out of sons in a Jokic style; at least that’s what Brian Windhorst assumes.

In his latest episode of  The Hoop Collective, author and Denver Nuggets front office member Mike Singer joined Windy. They talked about Nikola Jokic (of course) and his formative years before fame. Amidst this conversation, the NBA insider suggested Singer hand JJ Redick a copy of his upcoming book. But why?

“Whenever the Nuggets play the Lakers, you should give a copy to JJ because JJ is an incredible admirer of Serbian coaching,” informed Brian Windhorst. “And I think he’s even said on his podcast, I hope he said this on his podcast and didn’t say it to me. I think he said he wanted to send his when his boys are older, he wants to send them to Serbia in the summer to go to basketball camp because he just admires so much about the way the Serbians coach their players.” 

However, Mike Singer’s revelation may have turned Windy’s assumptions into reality. He shared: “It’s funny you say that. There is somebody who I interviewed in this book. They got a direct message from JJ Redick, a Serbian basketball quasi-coach. JJ Redick was inquiring about Serbian basketball tactics in the youth. So it tracks.”

The Lakers ringmaster seems intrigued by how Serbian coaches train their players. European training often emphasizes discipline and accountability, essential traits for any athlete. And in the NBA, JJ Redick understands that accountability is of the utmost importance. So as per Windhorst’s assumptions, the former Mavericks hooper could send Knox and Kai into Serbian training. Interesting!

But why is Redick so hung up on Serbian coaches and training? Does he intend to make his boys the next Nikola Jokics of the NBA? Well, that wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

What’s so special about Serbian coaches that might be attracting JJ Redick?

As an ex-player, JJ Redick understands how the league works, especially the training side of it. Moreover, when Nikola Jokic debuted in the NBA in 2015 with the Denver Nuggets, Reddick was playing for the LA Clippers. So, we can consider the fact that he’s experienced the force the Joker can be on the floor. And now, as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he will have to make plans to resist the 6’11” 3x MVP, because he’s simply lethal.

And maybe it’s because of Jokic and his skills that have inspired JJ Redick to give Serbian training some thought. Moreover, Serbian basketball coaches focus on players’ growth. They encourage athletes to own their development. This builds creativity and independence on the court. It also sharpens problem-solving and decision-making skills. Redick has surely observed these, hence his (assumed) decision.

Thus, JJ Redick’s interest in Serbian coaching isn’t surprising. Serbian methods build players like Nikola Jokic—creative, disciplined, and dominant. If Redick applies these tactics, the Lakers could see a transformation. Perhaps he’s not just planning to resist Jokic but to create the next one. Now, that’s a game-changer.