Updates
Mon, Oct 20th 2008, 09:35
Redick makes his case to play for Orlando Magic
JOHN DENTON • FLORIDA TODAY
J.J. Redick’s stroke from 3-point range was never sharper Saturday and it only seemed natural for Orlando’s shooting guard to rest on Sunday, just the Magic’s third day off in the three weeks since training camp opened.
“Gotta get back in the gym (on Sunday),” Redick said after a nifty 14-point, four 3-pointer effort against the Miami Heat. “I’ve never missed five in a row in my life. Ever, ever.”
Redick, statistically the second-best free throw shooter in college basketball history (91.2 percent), was referring to his stunning misses from the stripe. He missed two a week ago against CSKA Moscow, one against Charlotte on Thursday and two more Saturday against the Heat. Redick rebounded to make his final two tries, but the streak still made him uneasy.
Such is Redick’s mindset these days as he fights for a spot in the Magic’s regular rotation. Stuck on the bench in his first two NBA seasons, Redick finally has put himself in a position to be a key member of the Magic’s bench corps behind starting shooting guard Mickael Pietrus.
Redick has scored in double digits in three of Orlando’s five preseason games, but he has said repeatedly that he won’t believe he’s made progress until the regular-season opener rolls around on Oct. 29. He heads into Orlando’s preseason game tonight in Atlanta playing as well as any Magic player, but Redick still is understandably wary.
“I don’t feel like I’ve earned anything yet because it’s just preseason,” Redick said.
Redick may not want to say it, but coach Stan Van Gundy was eager to point out the dramatic strides that the third-year shooting guard has made in this training camp. Redick hit 4 of his 5 3-pointers on Saturday, including a key one late in the fourth quarter to steady Orlando’s muddling offense. And Redick even held his own defensively when Miami tried to isolate him on star guard Dwyane Wade.
Comments
Bobby Mack | on 28/10/08
What brought about the Dairy-Free?
Shay | on 21/10/08
That was a great game in Atlanta last night. It would have been better if you played.
Michelle | on 21/10/08
Great Job JJ!!! Keep up the good work, I believe it’s your time to play a key role for the Magic this year!!! And not to worry about the free throws, soon you’ll be 100% from there again! Best of Luck and God Bless!!!
Catherine | on 20/10/08
Good job J.J!! we are all rooting for you. You better be in the rotation this year!
kestrel | on 20/10/08
Wow another great game, CONGRATS!!! You have been so impressive and so on point, I’m so happy for you! You deserve nothing shy of the absolute best… on & off the court. Keep up the AMAZING games and carry it over to the regular season!!! Best of luck JJ!!! peace and love always, Kestrel P.S- sorry about your Red-Sox.