Is JJ Redick a bit ‘unorthodox’ to be an NBA coach? Well, that was crystal clear from the moment he was appointed by Jeanie Buss to lead her franchise. After all, he’s leading one of the most popular NBA teams with 0 coaching experience. As the season progressed, however, fans and competitors got to see another side of JJ. From banging his chair in frustration during games to dropping F-bombs in pressers, his self-demeanor in itself has become something to watch out for. On top of that, while some people might appreciate the trash-talk that he brings because of his ‘competitive nature’, the Utah Jazz boss seemed to have not. However, there was a twist.

The Lakers are set to go up against the Utah Jazz. During the pre-game presser, Redick stated, “For me, I’m excited because this is my first time coaching against Will Hardy. So, want to beat his a–.” The comment certainly created some laughter as the Lakers’ boss dropped the mic and headed out of the conference. However, soon after, Will Hardy responded to his words. His displeasure seemed clear: “That wasn’t very nice… He’s very competitive, but his tone sucks. I’ll have to talk to him about that,” via Daniel Starkand.

However, the hoops reporter later confirmed, “They are friends and joking around, for those who couldn’t tell.”

Will Hardy, while that’s a joke, wasn’t the only individual who didn’t shy away from highlighting their views at JJ Redick’s tonality. During the latter’s introductory interview, they asked him about the misconception (about himself) he was looking to dispel.

JJ may have made heads turn, by saying, “I don’t really have a great answer for your question because I really don’t give a f—. Honestly. I want to coach the Lakers.” Adding how he wanted to maximize his folk’s careers, he said, “That’s all I f—— care about.”

New York Yankees broadcaster, Michael Kay, did not like the coach’s tone. He stated that JJ Redick might have sounded like an “old guy on the lawn, shouting at clouds”. Former New York Knicks sportswriter, Frank Isola, also took a shot at Redick. He took to X and wrote, “Enough already with the (bleeping) profanity in public and during press conferences”.

Sportswriter, Seth Davis, called the 40-year-old a “smart hire” by the Lakers. However, he called out the latter’s profanity usage too, by stating, “But this is beneath him. He can make the same point emphatically without resorting to profanity.”

The usage of profanity isn’t anything new in the NBA. Players often employ it in trash talk and through actions, sometimes at the expense of receiving fines. JJ Redick is pretty open about the passion he holds for the game of basketball.

In fact, the rookie HC has proclaimed himself as a “basketball sicko”. However, it’s uncommon for coaches to delve into swear words to exhibit said passion. Fortunately, while some might not be okay with it, Redick’s players do not seem to have a problem.

Austin Reaves appreciated JJ Redick letting out the f-word after the loss: “Just shows how much he cares”

The Lakers-Suns matchup that took place on October 28 was not the LA side’s first game of the season. Nor was it JJ’s first. In fact, it wasn’t even the first Lakers-Suns game! Despite this, losing to KD and Co.,109-105, affected the HC. In the post-game presser, after answering the first question about where things went wrong, Redick dropped the microphone and looked away to take a moment. The manner in which he seemed affected did not diminish him in the eyes of some of his players. In fact, this ended up being appreciated.

“He let out a nice little F-word, which just shows how much he cares,” said Austin Reaves when discussing Redick’s postgame locker-room message. “His passion is on another level. You can tell every single second of every day that he’s locked into the betterment of our group.”

JJ Redick’s ‘display of passion’ may not be well received by many. However, if his players are fine with it, and the league won’t fine him for his profanity, then there isn’t much to stop him, is it?