The Sixer Sense
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J.J. Redick showing why he should stick around long term

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 3: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center on April 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 3: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center on April 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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J.J. Redick is somebody the Philadelphia 76ers need to keep beyond this season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been really good lately, winning 12 straight heading into Friday night’s matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That game could very well determine the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

Most of that success will rightfully be attributed to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, both of whom have been great this season. Embiid looks like one of the 15 best players in the league, while Simmons has picked up the slack in his absence.

Their recent stretch of dominance isn’t completely on the stars, though. The entire supporting cast has stepped up, whether it be Amir Johnson filling the defensive void at center or Marco Belinelli hitting absurd shot after absurd shot.

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J.J. Redick has been especially effective of late, reminding the Sixers and their fans why he was such a highly-coveted asset this summer. $23 million is a hefty price tag, but Redick has played as well as anybody could have expected when he put pen to paper in July.

Averaging 16.8 points per game on 41.7 percent shooting from deep this season, Redick has bumped those numbers up over the past 12 games. He continues to operate as the Sixers’ second option with Embiid (and Dario Saric) on the sidelines, gunning around screens and providing structure for Brett Brown’s offense.

Having one of the best shooters in the league is always a unique and valuable weapon. Even if Redick’s all-around game is limited, his ability to space the floor and stay in constant motion makes him one of the Sixers’ most important offensive weapons.

That’s why it’s difficult to picture the Sixers letting him go this offseason. There’s a good chance that the Sixers replace him in the starting five next season, whether it be Markelle Fultz or a free agent. That doesn’t mean he can’t impact the game similarly in a sixth man role, a la Belinelli.

The Sixers’ approach to free agency will obviously depend on who they’re able to sign. If LeBron James comes walking down Broad Street, re-signing Redick without a significant paycut would be virtually impossible. If they can’t attract a big name, re-upping Redick on another one-year deal could help them maintain some flexibility while keeping him happy.

Regardless of what happens, expect Redick to stay in a PHILA uniform next season. The Sixers look like they’re capable of competing, while Redick has stated repeatedly that he wants to stay in Philly long term.

Next: What should you expect from Fultz down the stretch? (Roundtable)

Redick will be 34 by the time next season starts. With his career winding down, taking a discount to stay close to home and win basketball games is certainly within the realm of possibility.