JJ Redick has been compared to Pat Riley, but Shaquille O’Neal disagrees.
Shaq’s Take on the Comparison:
On “The Pat McAfee Show,” Shaq got upset when Pat McAfee said people in the NBA think Redick could be “the next Pat Riley.” Shaq strongly disagreed, saying, “Stop it. No. First of all, JJ is a nice guy. Pat Riley is the man. So, imagine you come in (as a player) and JJ Redick starts yelling at you. It’s gonna be a (expletive) fight in there. Players ain’t going for all that yelling and all that screaming and all that extra running. Next Pat Riley, my aโ.”
O’Neal’s Experience with Riley:
Shaq played almost four seasons under Riley with the Heat and won his fourth NBA championship in 2006. Riley was key in getting Shaq to agree to a trade from Los Angeles to Miami after he had issues with Lakers management.
Why People Compare Redick to Riley:
People started comparing Redick and Riley because both moved from broadcasting to coaching after their playing careers ended.
Riley spent nearly two seasons as an assistant coach for the Lakers under Paul Westhead before becoming head coach. On the other hand, Redick has never coached at any professional level before taking on this role.
Fans hope he can prove doubters wrong this upcoming season as he leads the Lakers for the first time!
Redick will get his chance as head coach of the Lakers this NBA season. The team is projected to win 44.5 games after winning 47 last year and finishing seventh in the Western Conference.
