Who is going to replace J.J. Redick?
Who is going to replace JJ
— Lamar (@slickbackjr_) January 9, 2019
This season: no one.
Long term, the easy answer is Landry Shamet, who continues to pick up on the subtleties that make J.J. Redick such an effective off-ball scorer. While Redick still has more in his bag than Shamet, the rook is already a hyper-efficient shooter who’s exceedingly smart with his movement.
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There’s still time for Shamet to improve defensively. He lacks elite-level physical tools, but at 6-foot-5, his quick feet and energy level should translate to moderate success. Adding core strength will help Shamet become less prone to mismatches on the perimeter. He can at least break even as a defender.
Assuming those strides are made and Shamet continues to develop his offensive repertoire, he should become a valuable cog in the Sixers’ rotation for years to come. Redick is massively important in the Sixers’ current rotation, so having a similar skill set to eventually replace him is a valuable commodity.
Over the next season or two, other options will also emerge. The Sixers will enter next season with ample cap space and room to fill out the supporting cast. Zhaire Smith will also return at some point, offering potentially elite defense at the two-guard spot.
Shamet seems like the obvious fit on offense, but it’s too early — with too many variables — to make any definitive, catch-all statements about Redick’s eventual replacement. Just keep Shamet’s name fresh on your mind.