The Sixer Sense
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J.J. Redick retiring a Sixer makes sense

By Christopher Kline

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers and teammates before the start of the basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center February 22, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers and teammates before the start of the basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center February 22, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Despite signing a one-year deal, J.J. Redick hopes to remain with the Philadelphia 76ers until retirement.

The hype surrounding the J.J. Redick signing has been palatable in certain Philadelphia 76ers-centric corners on the internet. After years of spacing-deprived rotations, the Sixers were able to bring in one of the league’s best pure shooters to help buoy an offense that will now feature a trio of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz come next season.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers’ brass was able to grab Redick on a surprisingly reasonable deal as well, maintaining long term financial flexibility by grabbing him on a one-year contract. The number is big — $23 million — but that’s virtually irrelevant if the deal is up after this season.

In an interview after his introductory press conference with the Sixers, Redick was frank about his expectations. He said that he wasn’t looking for a one-year deal, and was instead hoping for a three or four year contract that could help him ride it out until the end of his career.

He then went on to say this:

"“My hope is that this is a long-term thing and that I’m here three or four years and can finish my career as a Sixer” — CSN Philly"

Redick also noted his disdain for free agency, saying that he has been “miserable” until the end result during offseasons prior. He wants this to be his last run, per se. He made that point clear as well, emphasizing that he was ready to help mentor a young roster in Philadelphia.

In many ways, Redick finishing off his career in Philadelphia makes sense.

With the team trending towards the playoffs, he has a chance to continue his now-11 year streak of making the postseason — and continue extending that streak for the foreseeable future. The East is in a rough spot right now, while the Sixers have the most gifted young core in the league. That’s not a bad spot to be in.

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His game also fills a need that should be prevelant throughout the lifetime of the Sixers’ current core. They’ll always need shooting, as spacing is the hallmark of the modern NBA. Redick’s jumper isn’t going away any time soon, and a 3-point shooter of his caliber normally has more longevity than players who rely on pure athleticism to sustain their production.

That type of sustained fit and long term competitiveness has to be appealing for somebody like Redick, who lives nearby in Brooklyn to boot. He’ll be close to home with his family, while his role could stay relatively constant on a team that can use him both on and off the court.

Must Read: Redick's comments further validate the Sixers' culture

The Sixers have yet to hold on to a veteran mentor for more than a couple of seasons. Even with the stellar culture Joel Embiid and Brett Brown have helped cultivate in Philadelphia, an older player who can show the team’s younger stars the right way to prepare for games and approach the season as a whole is important.

Young teams without veterans often find themselves in rut, and the Sixers don’t want to risk falling into that trap.

This seems like a perfect marriage for both sides. The Sixers may not be competing for a championship in the next four years, but they’re certainly a playoff team. Redick has both a role and an environment that he wants to play in, while the financial commitment would likely shrink as the seasons progress. He’s not going to demand $23 million again — especially if all goes as planned this year.

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Philly found their veteran, and he wants to stay as long as possible. From both a personal and on-court perspective, it seems like the right move.