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Joel Embiid played alongside JJ Redick for a couple of years and has now seen his former teammate transition from player to NBA analyst to head coach.
Although Embiid is happy for Redick, he sounds a bit concerned for his future.
Speaking with the New York Times, per Legion Hoops, Embiid stated that he doesn’t know if Redick’s hiring by the Los Angeles Lakers is “a perfect situation.”
He said that it could work out very well for Redick and he may have a long career as a coach.
However, if Redick isn’t able to push the Lakers in a new and successful direction, he could be fired.
Embiid said:
“It’s kind of a make-or-break situation, because if you succeed, great, you’re going to be coaching for years. But if you don’t succeed, those coaches are usually bound to be fired within a year or two. I love him, I’m happy for him, but that’s a tough job.”
Joel Embiid on JJ Redick coaching the Lakers:
“If I was him, I don’t know if that’s a perfect situation. Maybe he thinks that’s a perfect situation… It’s kind of a make-or-break situation, because if you succeed, great, you’re going to be coaching for years. But if you don’t… pic.twitter.com/2Dg92TmnpY
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 20, 2024
Redick has just accepted one of the most high-stakes jobs in professional sports.
Even during their worst times, the Lakers are a team that attracts millions of fans and the attention of the entire NBA.
Being their head coach comes with a ton of pressure and the front office’s desire to win as much as possible as soon as possible.
This is especially true right now because LeBron James is 39 years old and nearing retirement.
Usually, it takes a few years before new head coaches are fully adjusted to their jobs but the Lakers don’t have much time.
All teams want positive results from their coaches but the Lakers and their fans will demand a lot from Redick right away.
Of course, he is well aware of that and knows just how much is on the line.
It could go very well for Redick but it could also become a mess quickly.
Embiid sounds worried for his friend and former teammate and he has every reason to be.
The post Joel Embiid Questions JJ Redick’s Situation With Lakers appeared first on The Cold Wire.