JJ Redick Update: Pat Beverly Weighs In

As the former Duke star gets some support

Since JJ Redick name popped up in the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching search this summer, there’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the hire.

A lot of people have ripped the decision, pointing out, fairly, that Redick has never coached any level (he did coach fourth graders but that’s not really relevant). Shaquille O’ Neal isn't sure he can succeed, among others.

Not everyone has been skeptical though. Redick’s college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, has high expectations and while he has been known to understandably boost former players, who has keener insight here?

Another guy who has surprisingly boosted Redick is former NBA rival Pat Beverley, who is actually very complimentary despite a recent feud.

Well, he does call Redick a “respectable a****le” but it’s basically affectionate. Listen to what Beverly has to say: “Well watch, I mean, I bet that he’ll be the type of dude to be like, you’ve seen the way that he carries himself since he was at Duke, that he’s not afraid to give somebody a hard opinion, that he knows what the f**k he’s talking about.”

Could Redick fail in L.A.? Well, of course he could. Better coaches have been fired over the years. But his combination of intelligence, hard work and blunt honesty should serve the Lakers well. If you don’t believe us, ask Pat Beverly.