Updates
Sat, Nov 15th 2008, 12:06
Checking In
Hey now, it’s been a couple of weeks since y’all heard from me- I am still alive, don’t worry. For those that have been following the Magic, you know that we are off to a pretty good start (6-3) and got a big road win last night in Dallas (who are inexplicably off to a 2-7 start). Jameer and Pietrus played big in the second half last night- they both hit a number of clutch jumpers. (MP was yelling “shoooo-woooop” each time he shot a three in the second half. I’m not sure what “shoooo-woooop” means but it worked- he was on fire.) Since I’ve been on the team it was the first time that we won in Dallas. Naturally, you guys might want to know what I think about my playing time. I don’t know what to tell you. Perhaps I will be forever resigned to sitting on the bench but that is not what I believe. I know that I’ve improved and feel that I can contribute. It’s just not happening. I’m not going to get into my frustrations- y’all know any competitive athlete wants to play and wants to help their team win.
Stan and I spoke before the Chicago game and I thought he made a great point to me. He felt that in the preseason and training camp I played like I had nothing to lose. The results were pretty good. But in the first three games of the regular season I played tight and approached my job like I had EVERYTHING to lose. Whenever my next chance comes I need to be free and just play my game.
People always say to me, “I hope you get to play more but at least you’re making a lot of money.” Huh??? Look, I realize how fortunate I am to be getting paid to play basketball. But it’s not by accident. It’s taken a lot of work and sacrifice (for me, it’s a year-round commitment). When I was a kid I never said, “I want to play in the NBA and get a big paycheck.” I want to play in the NBA because it’s the highest level of basketball and because I love the game. As The Notorious B.I.G. so eloquently said, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems.” I don’t love money. I love basketball. I love competing.
Nothing else is really going on- once the regular season starts it’s pretty much just hooping. I did however go to a Coldplay concert with a bunch of friends last weekend in Orlando. It was pretty dang fun. I feel like Coldplay gets a bad rap sometimes but I gotta tell you- those guys rock. I had to laugh a little bit at Chris Martin though. The guys was dressed like a clown and pranced around stage for two hours. But I said to myself, “The guy is married to Gwyneth Paltrow, so he must be doing something right.”
Aight, we have practice in Charlotte in an hour so I’m going to get ready. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and keeps it real. In honor of the American Airlines Arena in Dallas (which I think is the nicest arena in the NBA) I’m going to leave y’all with my top-five NBA arenas:
1) Madison Square Garden- yes, it’s outdated and isn’t as nice as the newer NBA venues but the Garden is still the “mecca” of basketball. The atmosphere inside the building is reflective of New York City as a whole- there’s always a buzz in the air.
2) American Airlines Arena (Dallas)- I think this is the nicest NBA arena. The amenities, crowd support, and size are all top-notch.
3) Conseco Fieldhouse (Indiana)- It’s pretty big but when the place gets packed it has a college atmosphere. Indiana fans know how to root for their teams!
4) American Airlines Arena (Miami)- another big venue. They don’t always have great attendance but it’s just a very nice building (and it’s right on the water).
5) Staples Center (LA)- Lakers fans are notorious for not cheering until the 4th quarter but the Staples Center is so nice I had to put it in the top five. Plus when you have Jack Nicholson sitting right by the visitor’s bench it gives the place instant credibility.
“Tu ne cede malis”- a Latin phrase meaning “yield not to misfortunes”
Comments
kestrel | on 21/11/08
JJ, wow what a night vs the Raptors. It just made me so happy and excited for you, I think this is the start of great things for you basketball wise…hey and maybe even for you in general who knows.
I know I say this alot but you are one class act, just reading what you have to say about how you handle the whole sitting on the bench issue, your amazing and definitly someone to looke up to…so thanks!
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR GAMES TO COME!!
peace and love always,
kestrel
Dave | on 18/11/08
Hey JJ, great job tonight vs. the Raptors. I was so excited when they called your name during the intros that I couldn’t even get out a sound because there was a lump in my throat. I definitely made a lot of sound for those ten points though (about a combined 1/2 inch from being 15)! I think the ball is definitely starting to roll now. You’ll be seeing more time after this. And remember, don’t ever be afraid to put it up. There were a couple of times when you had a shot, hesitated, and then passed it off. I know I’m nobody, but constructive criticism from the stands might help. The only thing that separates the good players from the great is that confidence to put it up at any time. If you miss, you miss. Big deal. You just shake it off and hit the next one. But always have that confidence. Jameer and Hedo have it. Kobe and LeBron definitely have it. With your shot, you should too. Just remember your days at Duke. See you on Saturday, hopefully starting. I’ll have my #7 jersey on. Good luck and all my best, Dave
shell | on 18/11/08
Aww, no love for the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston? It’s clearly the best arena ever! Ok fine, I’m biased. Hehe. I’m going to the Dec. 3rd game to see the Celtics v. Magic. I’ll be cheering for the Celtics to win, but I’ll be cheering for you to play and score lots of points (just not too many, lol). Nice job on the 10 points tonight. Glad you got some minutes. Take care.
Chris | on 18/11/08
J.J.,
I just wanted to say thank you for being you. I have looked up to you since your freshman year at DUKE. You motivate me to become a better player as well as a better person. I am looking for my shot on the court in the D2 college level. I know this time of year is really busy for you but I was hoping we could chat through email or something becasue I feel like you would have some positive feedback for my situation. I would greatly appreciate it.
P.S. This is what my pop used to say to me when the ball wasn’t going in the hoop, “A good shooter doesn’t have a conscience.”
Kate P | on 18/11/08
You are such an amazing player and i know that soon you are going to get your chance to shine.
Jeremy Ross | on 17/11/08
DUKE RULES!!!!
i hope that i get to see you play live again one day. Your drive and positive attitude despite the lack of support your recieve is to be applauded.
Jessie | on 17/11/08
JJ I really hope you get your shot to prove to everyone you can play in the NBA, because all of your fans know you can. I try to watch the magic every chance I can. And your right who cares about the money it’s about realizing your dream came true you made it to the NBA all your hard work has paid off. Well hope you get more playing time. When your chance comes reach for the stars….
Daniela | on 17/11/08
hey jj keep up all the hard work. I am rooting for you every step of the way. You are a true idol and inspiration. I know your hard work and dedication will pay off someday. Even if your not getting playing time right now, you are inspiring a lot of people to never give up and that means a lot more. Keep your head and never lose faith. By the way, love all the tats
God Bless
Philip | on 17/11/08
It was nice to hear your still alive. Plus it was nice that you finally told everyone what your new tat says. (final line in your blog). I hope that you can get to the point where you be more relaxed on the court and show your skills as you did in the preseason. That is if SVG will let you.
Since you have posted your FAV NBA Arena’s what would your FAV College Arena’s be? Since we all know that Cameron is your number one, what other 5 do you like.
I will start out with my FAV college arena and that is the Marriott Center located on the campus of BYU Provo. Sits slightly over 23 thousand and yes everyone is right on the court. Your turn.
Daniel | on 16/11/08
hey jj i went to the game in dallas (great come back btw!) but anyways just wanted to say thanks for signing my jersey after the game in the parking lot, your my favorite player and i look up to you so it ment alot! ha and it was a great feeling when i went to basketball practice at my school and getting to say that i got to meet jj redick!!
thanks man and keep on keepin on
Michele | on 16/11/08
Ok, first of all, thanks for the Latin phrase. We sorta had it figured out & you just confirmed it for us. So thanks for that. And I love it, btw. As always, you are such an inspiration to me…to all of us.
Secondly, I agree with you about Conseco Fieldhouse. That will always be a special place for me because it was there that I saw my first Magic game just over a year ago. It was there that I first saw you in person. You didn’t play that night, but that night will be a special memory for me forever. Oh, but the area, lol…yeah it’s big but it seems small because of the setup of the seats. Very much a college atmosphere. I really liked the place.
Thirdly, regarding playing time…Ugh. I’ll just copy and paste what I wrote on another site, a fan site, where I’m a member/administator: “I believe with all my heart that there is a place for him in this league. Maybe not with this team and certainly not with either of the coaches he’s had to this point. Over the years, I have seen less talented, so-called “one dimentional” players have tremendous success in the league and I’m convinced that this can…and will…happen for JJ. Out there somewhere there is a coach and a system that will be able to utilize this man’s tremendous talent. Getting the two of them together is the challenge. Patience and perserverence are the only answer. Unfotunately.”
Hang in there JJ & know that we love & support you and are hoping and praying for everything to work out for the best. Have peace knowing that God is in control.
Tommy | on 16/11/08
JJ – I’m 13 and you’ve been my idol ever since you were a freshmen at Duke. I went all the way down to Cameron from Jersey to watch you play, twice. I have a picture of me and you on the Cameron floor from a few years ago, and follow your NBA career more than anyone elses. Just keep up the hard work man, sometime it will pay off. I know you’ll be a star when you get your chance.
Alaina | on 16/11/08
Hey JJ! Glad to see that the Magic are off to a good start!!! Its complete bull that you aren’t getting good P.t. All you can do is you best. I really think you should assist at Duke. That would be ill. =]
Evan | on 16/11/08
I take latin (groan). COLDPLAY ROCKS!!!
Catherine | on 15/11/08
JJ
Thanks for giving us updates im glad your getting at least a little more playing time than last year and i bet it will just go up in time and you can prove to them that your better than before. Things can only get better. And im planning on seeing the game in the staples center and ill be sure to cheer for you all 4 quarters!
Jeff | on 15/11/08
“Indiana fans know how to root for their teams!” You got that right!!
Conseco does have a great atmosphere like college. But the best college atmosphere court that I’ve been to has definitely got to be Hinkle Fieldhouse!! All those home games watching my friend play his senior year was an unforgettable experience!!
Daniel | on 15/11/08
Hey JJ, i went to the game in dallas congrats on the big win! i just wanted to say thanks for signing my jersey after the game in the parking lot! i lot up to you and it ment alot that you did that! so thank you man
keep on keepin on
David | on 15/11/08
good call on Chris Martin & Gwyneth.. haha
Ryan Acuff | on 15/11/08
Dude that is an awesome top 5! I know MSG is number one cuz you always light that place up! I traveled to Atlanta and Memphis to see you play, and I hope I get to go to Orlando to see how you play at home sometime soon!! Good luck man and thanks for the update, I know you stay busy! (Ryan, Knoxville)
Nancye | on 15/11/08
JJ, there’s a lot to be said for someone who doesn’t just want to show up to draw a paycheck. That’s a good quality to have and anyone who wants to debate that point is probably standing in the unemployment line because they didn’t want to work for their paycheck. There’s not a whole lot that can be said for the hand you’ve been dealt. You’re the ace up somebody’s sleeve, that’s for sure. When they decide to play that card, you’ll be the winner!
tdm | on 15/11/08
I hit submit too early! Just remember: “Your attitude determines your altitude”
tdm828 | on 15/11/08
Great-Update! I wish you well, and the Orlando Magic Team well…. I love watching you all play….. Good Luck!
*Victoria* | on 15/11/08
Hi JJ,
Congrats on your win last night. I got a little worried when Dallas took a 15 point lead, but the last couple of minutes were pretty fun to watch as the magic came back.
Everytime I go to a game or watch them at home, I always see you cheering on your teammates and celebrating with them when they make big shots. Personally, I admire the way you have handled the whole lack of playing time. I know at times it gets discouraging, but remember Romans 8:28.
JJ, I truly believe God has wonderful things in store for you. You are amazing and you will always be my favorite NBA player.