JJ Redick, a name synonymous with sharp shooting and high basketball IQ, burst onto the NBA scene when he was selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2006. Early in his career, he faced doubts about his defense and physicality, but he quickly silenced the skeptics. His defining moments came in the 2008-09 season, where he hit clutch shots, helping the Magic reach the NBA Finals, including a standout 31-point game against the Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets). These performances cemented his reputation as a reliable scorer, driven to prove his doubters wrong.

Upon retiring in 2021, Redick didn’t just hang up his jersey—he stepped into the media world, becoming the first active NBA player to host a podcast. His unique perspective, shaped by years of on-court experience, helped him build genuine connections with fellow players and fans. Now, let’s delve deeper into his journey from sharpshooter to media storyteller.

From sharpshooter to storyteller: JJ Redick’s media odyssey

JJ Redick’s media career took off in January 2016 when he launched a podcast on Yahoo! Sports, becoming the first active NBA player to host one. He began with “The Vertical,” where his sharp insights and relatable storytelling quickly drew in listeners. Transitioning to Uninterrupted as “The Chronicles of Redick,” he collaborated with producer Tommy Alter, which led to a move to The Ringer, where he hosted for three seasons.

In August 2020, Redick co-founded ThreeFourTwo Productions, a nod to the 342 shots he would take each Sunday during the off-season. This venture birthed “The Old Man and the Three,” which premiered inside the NBA bubble with Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard as the first guest. The podcast soared in popularity, garnering over 320 million views on YouTube and 4.8 stars on Apple Podcasts.

By March 2024, Redick joined forces with LeBron James for “Mind the Game,” focusing on genuine basketball discussions. Yet, just a few months later, he announced an indefinite hiatus from podcasting to become the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. ” I am, for the time being, and hopefully, it’s a very, very long time, since I am excommunicated from the content space. There will be no podcast. I am done with podcasting for now.” He announced. There is no active NBA head coach who has ever hosted a podcast during the season, and the demands of coaching made it unlikely that Redick would be the first.

Post-retirement, Redick also made a mark as an ESPN analyst, climbing the ranks to the lead broadcast team by February 2024. His journey from player to podcaster and now coach reflects his deep passion for basketball and storytelling. However, as he embraces his new journey, his “The Old Man and the Three,” podcast has gone through several changes.

A Fresh Take: The Evolution of ‘The Young Man and the Three’

With Redick stepping back, “The Old Man and the Three” is evolving, with the podcast introducing some major changes. They have rebranded as “The Young Man and the Three,” featuring a rotating cast of favorite NBA players.

The revamped podcast serves as a hub for all things NBA. It will include segments like “The Dunker Spot” and “OM3 Things,” alongside player vlogs and exclusive play breakdowns with Trey Murphy. Fans can look forward to engaging postgame reactions and much more.

Do you know who their first host and guest is? Captain Clutch, Tyrese Haliburton, will be their first host. It promises that he will bring his dynamic energy and insight to the show. The debut episode features an unexpected guest: former President Barack Obama!

A video showed a short clip of Haliburton interviewing Obama, who expressed his support for the name change: “I’m glad you guys changed the name to ‘The Young Man’ rather than ‘The Old Man.” This unique blend of basketball and culture elevates the podcast’s appeal. What does this shift mean for fans? The fresh format promises excitement and variety. Listeners will enjoy the spontaneity that comes with multiple hosts and guests, allowing for richer conversations and insights.

As the podcast pivots from Redick’s storytelling to a broader NBA community, it raises intriguing questions: How will this change impact the show’s direction? Will the new hosts maintain the authenticity Redick cultivated? The evolution of “The Young Man and the Three” opens doors for deeper connections between players and fans, creating a platform that celebrates the game from different angles. Are you ready for this new chapter?