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J.J. Redick: Process barometer

By AJ Iezzi

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: JJ Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers warms up prior to the start of the basketball game against Houston Rockets at Staples Center April 10, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: JJ Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers warms up prior to the start of the basketball game against Houston Rockets at Staples Center April 10, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this 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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The Philadelphia 76ers‘ addition of J.J. Redick means more to The Process than you might think.

The Philadelphia 76ers‘ offseason was the ascension from the basement of mediocrity. Markelle Fultz was added as the final piece of a talented, under-25 core of; Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Dario Saric.  The legitimization of the Sixers continued with the offseason signings of veteran big men Amir Johnson and James Michael McAdoo.

The undisputed best free agency signing of Philadelphia’s 2017 offseason is J.J. Redick. Redick inked a one-year, $23 million deal. The 33-year-old shooting guard decided Process over “MoreyBall”, turning down an offer from the Houston Rockets.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

Redick is not the most important Sixer. He won’t be the leading scorer. He’s not a young, high ceiling blue-chipper. But the success of Redick’s time in Philadelphia will be a likely indicator of how close/far the Sixers are from finally being NBA heavyweights.

On-Court

JJ Redick may be the team’s most high-profile free agent signing since the egregious five-year, $82 million deal given to Elton Brand in 2008.

Redick fills a need that the Sixers have lacked for years, a purebred sharpshooter. The former Duke Blue Devil is one of the premiere shooters in the NBA. Redick is coming off three straight seasons of shooting at least 40 percent from beyond the arc, and is a career 41 percent three-point shooter.

It’s nearly a guarantee Redick will start. But how will the shot distribution look in a starting five featuring another three-point specialist, a 7-foot-2 freak-of-nature, and two studs who have yet to log a single NBA minute?

If Redick can post another efficient offensive season and the Sixers earn a playoff birth, it is a testament to the players’ and Brett Brown’s ability to accommodate proven talent, while also letting young pieces develop.

The Sixers’ offense has more spacing and different personnel compared to the Clippers’ traditional two big-man lineup. Can Redick still thrive as an outside threat without the constant attention in the post and DeAndre Jordan‘s brick-wall screens? Finding space for J.J. Redick may be a seamless effort, but don’t be too surprised if adjustments are needed.

Off-Court 

In “THE PROCESS WITH J.J. REDICK”, Redick admits Philly will put him in a role he has never experienced. He’ll be a leader on a team where every player is younger than him.

Redick has logged minutes in 88 playoff games including an appearance in the 2009 NBA Finals. Combine his playoff experience with; his 11 NBA seasons, professionalism, and work ethic , Redick has a lot to offer a young team.

Related Story: J.J. Redick is the veteran the Sixers needed

Redick had to work hard to earn minutes early in his career. He didn’t start a single game until his third season and didn’t become a routine starter until he became a Clipper. Redick knows what it’s like to be young and hungry, much like the majority of the Sixers’ players.

If he can step into a leadership role successfully, you’ll see improvements in younger wing players like Nik Stauskas and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.

Big Picture

If JJ Redick has a successful season in 2017-18 it shows the Sixers can let their franchise center-pieces flourish, while letting established NBA players stay true to their own game. Could a playoff appearance and a career high shooting season entice JJ to return after 2018 (for less money, of course) ?

More importantly, Redick is well-respected around the NBA community. Redick has a voice. He has a popular podcast. When he speaks, people listen. Glowing reviews from playing in Philadelphia would carry significance.

The summer of 2018 boasts some (possible) big name free agents. Carmelo Anthony, Avery Bradley, Paul George, and LeBron James (!!!) could all be looking for new homes next summer.  There’s no guarantee the Sixers could even arrange a sit-down with any of those players, but a veteran player helping the Process take the next step, could prove otherwise.

A key element of the Process has been trying to add the “over-the-top” veteran piece. Are the Sixers ready to add the big-time free agent to catapult them into Eastern Conference contention?

Next: How trading Noel changed the market for NBA centers

Let’s see how J.J. Redick does first.