Updates
Fri, Mar 12th 2010, 10:10
Q and A with Slam Mag
SLAM: What do you think you and your teammates have to do to repeat last season’s success?
JJ Redick: I think defend. We found out during the last six weeks that when we defend, we are a pretty good basketball team. We can beat anybody and our challenge is to keep improving on the defensive side of the floor. People focus on our shooting and Dwight’s inside play, but if you look at the numbers, when we defend, we win. We did that last year in the Playoffs and we won.
SLAM: Being from a high profile basketball school, did you feel there were higher expectations coming into the NBA?
JJR: No. I know that people had put higher expectation levels on others. After my sophomore year, people felt I wasn’t good enough to play in the NBA. It is funny how expectations are raised when you have some success. In terms of transition from college to the NBA, coming from Duke, I just have embraced the last couple of years as a learning experience and appreciate the whole ride.
SLAM: Why do you think the transition works for some and not others?
JJR: I think there is 420-450 jobs available and there is probably twice that many players who can play in the NBA. So the guys who stick with it find good situations and really work. There are guys Like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwight Howard that are naturally unbelievable. But for a lot of guys, you have to set yourself apart by your work ethic and what you can contribute.
SLAM: How do you feel about getting labeled as a pure jump shooter in the NBA?
JJR: Everyone gets a label. I don’t really care about what category I am in to be honest. I just want to fit in and play my role. I appreciate what I have and love my job.
SLAM: Would you ever compete in the Three-Point Shootout?
JJR: If the League invited me to compete in the event, I would love to participate. I would have done it this year, but from what I understand they wanted players that were already going to be out at the event. I didn’t even get a look this year, but hopefully, next year I can shoot a high percentage and will be invited.
Comments
Barry Ray | on 15/3/10
I made a facebook group devoted to getting JJ into the 2011 3 point contest. Please join. http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=490992475500&ref=ts
Ryan Acuff | on 13/3/10
they better ask you to the 3 point contest! i think the league is scared you will win it like everybody else knows you will.
J-Man | on 12/3/10
Defense is definitely important in keeping the other team from scoring. Just make sure yours drops that one extra winning point through the bucket…everything after that winning point is just gravy!! I think you’ll find cooking an interesting field to explore around in. I learned by necessity as a kid when my mom was ill and my dad worked nights. I’m no professional chef but it is lots of fun and you can tailor things to suit your own tastes better than the restaurants!!
Kestrel | on 12/3/10
Oh JJ, you have been playing so well…I am so happy for you! I would absolutely love to see you in the 3 point contest…see you set a record! Cooking must be a fun thing to learn, thats so cool that your getting into that. Best of luck with everything!!!! peace, love and Blessings always!.......Kestrel Kerl