The NBA, like most businesses, is people-based. Yes, having talented players is important, but plenty can hoop. What differentiates teams is their ability to maximize their rosters and bring out the best in their group.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has shown an ability to do that.
He’s had back-to-back 50-win seasons, and that’s because he’s been able to navigate massive roster changes and get the best out of his players night in and night out. And even for players like Deandre Ayton, who are known
for being inconsistent and having up and down moments, he’s been able to reach him and bring out his best more often than not.
Even during a down moment, after the Thunder eliminated the Lakers, Ayton praised Redick for how he navigated the season.
“He was really proud of the group, how much faith he had,” Ayton said in his exit interview. “This being his 17th season with an NBA team, he was just really proud of each one of us. That really gave me some burdens off my shoulders. He showed in the media that he had my back as well. He’s a really good coach and I was just really honored to be coached by him and his staff.”
Since we are not privy to the behind-the-scenes moments between players and coaches, we only know a sliver of the dynamic between Ayton and Redick. Still, we have seen signs of how Redick supported him.
When Ayton was signed to the Lakers, he praised his raw talent. During the season, Redick was rocking a t-shirt that featured Ayton’s face mixed with a lion, expressing his desire for him to be a lion on the court.
Overall, Ayton had a solid season. He remained the team’s starting center all year long and shot a career-best 67% from the field.
Acquiring Ayton was a bit of a risk, as this was his third team in four years, but overall it was far more good than bad. The credit goes primarily to Ayton, but Redick played his part as well. Thanks to their collaboration, they made this a positive experience, and if Ayton does come back next season, he will likely be welcomed with open arms.
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