Philadelphia 76ers fans are quickly learning what hardcore NBA fans have known for years: JJ Redick is great on podcasts.
The Sixers' splashy free agent signing joined the HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy on Friday to talk about his adventurous offseason, joining the Philly franchise, and becoming a key piece of the Process.
They covered a ton in the hour-long chat, but it was the part about joining the Process in its still relatively early stages on a one-year deal instead of "ring chasing" that jumped out to me.
"The opportunity to be a part of something that's been built from the ground up and to be joining it at a pretty opportune time, for a team on the rise especially in the East, there's an opportunity for us to make a jump," Redick said.
"As these guys get older and get more experience, I think there's an opportunity to make a leap and really be one of the elite teams not only the East but in the NBA. That's a credit to Sam Hinkie, Bryan Colangelo, and to their owners."
Sounds good to Sixers fans, I'm sure. But what about the fact that he's only under contract in Philly for one season? If all goes well, that shouldn't matter.
"I have talked to Bryan Colangelo and the owners about a continuing relationships. I also understand given their cap situation and the age of their core, even if I do stay for 2-3 years it may only be on one-year deals. I understand that. The reality is if I play well and the team does well I think I'll be back."
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Not exactly groundbreaking news, but it's different hearing it straight from the three-point-shooter's mouth as opposed to Sixers' fans simply hoping it.
The next question would be what results would the Sixers have to see this coming season for it to be considered the team "doing well?"
Redick isn't sure exactly but he does expect the team to make the playoffs.
"I don't think you can skip steps. I think the goal should be making the playoffs," Redick said.
"Is that an eight seed at 38-44 or is it a five seed at 48-34? I don't know. I truthfully don't know. On paper, the thing I like about our team is we have a lot of skillets that compliment each other."
Redick spoke glowingly about Brett Brown and how he's the right guy for the job at hand. He spoke about joining a team full of millenials and having to learn about Migos and how to bond with them. It won't exactly be conversations about the different wine regions around Burgundy, France.
The whole thing is worth a listen.
Sixers guard @JJRedick is easily one of my favorite athletes to interview. He was TERRIFIC on The HoopsHype Podcast: https://t.co/ZTL32esOJC— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) August 4, 2017
Some other highlights:
JJ on getting to know the younger guys and how he's leading
"It's been great. I started texting Ben Simmons back in March or February. We have a mutual friend in Philly so I've gotten to know him a little bit. I've gotten to know Embiid. I saw him at the Steve Nash charity soccer game in New York and chatted for an hour and a half. That was like two weeks prior to free agency."
"Since Amir and I have signed there's a little group chat that we're all on."
"There's only so much guidance I can give in text messages. The biggest thing for me is showing the routine of being a professional, getting guys to understand what it takes to win and also what it takes to last in the NBA."
Something awesome Brett Brown texted him
"Brett [Brown] texted me and was like, ‘The city will be on fire if we get this thing rolling.' So I'm very excited."
