J.J. Redick wants to stay with Orlando Magic despite the recent turmoil – NBA Feature
J.J. Redick is one Orlando Magic star who is staying away from any sort of controversy and staying true to team spirit and loyalty. Redick has one year left on his contract with the Orlando Magic. However, the final year is non guaranteed which means that
Magic can keep him or trade him. There is a great deal of uncertainty with regards to his future, but he is not bothered about it. Rather, he says that he would love to return to the Magic, if given the opportunity.
"I'm not necessarily worried about getting cut, I'm more worried about getting traded. I tell people all the time that I would love to play my entire career in Orlando. Central Florida has become home for me, and I really, really do love playing for the
Orlando Magic” said Redick.
Redick has had a tough run with the Orlando Magic, as he did not hit it off instantly with Stan Van Gundy when he took over as head coach. In the first season that Redick played under Van Gundy, he played a few minutes’ 34 games, and did not play at all
in the rest of the games. He was a bench warmer and occupier for most of that season, and he admits it was disappointing and difficult for him to accept that role. However, Redick stayed true to the team philosophy and did whatever was asked for him, and gradually
earned the respect of his coach. Now, he is a regular part of Van Gundy’s rotations in games.
"Everybody knows Stan and I didn't get off to the best of starts. I didn't play at all that [first] year and I was upset about half of the year — until I realized this guy can really, really coach and his approach is about one thing. And that one thing is
winning. Stan's honesty, I actually loved — even though sometimes, I guess, it got him in trouble” said Redick about his former coach.
Redick is not happy with the way the season ended for the Magic. Coach Stan Van Gundy has been fired and star center Dwight Howard is in Los Angeles recovering from a back injury. The Magic season was highlighted with rumours of lack of unity in the locker
room and a falling off between Howard and Van Gundy. Asked what actually happened and how did things take a turn for the worse, Redick could not put his finger on it but did say that the unity, respect and team bond that was there back in 2009 when the Magic
went to the NBA Finals is not there anymore.
Redick also said that he believes that Howard has his heart in the right place.
“I know at his core and in his heart, Dwight is a good kid with good intentions. I still believe that” said Redick.
It remains to be seen what transpires in the off season for the Magic with the hiring of a new general manager, new coach and the future of Howard up in the air. But Redick has stated his inclinations for everyone to hear.
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