The assessment of JJ Redick's first season as an NBA coach

The inaugural season of JJ Redick has come to an end. The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round with a loss in the fifth game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, causing much scrutiny around the future of the franchise with Redick, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic. There is also great optimism surrounding Redick after his first season in Los Angeles, evidenced by his post-game comments and the public support of his players.

Reflecting on his first season at the helm of a storied franchise, Redick said he would use input from his players and assistant coaches to evaluate his coaching debut. "I know I can get better, and I know I will," he added. "I'm not necessarily satisfied with how the year went. That doesn't mean I'm not proud of what the group was able to accomplish and how we were able to figure things out on the fly and put ourselves in a position to have home-court advantage in the first round. But there are always ways to improve, and I can improve a lot."

It truly is a year to be proud of Redick and the Lakers. The 15-year veteran took on one of the most significant roles in the league without an ounce of experience as a professional coach. He brought structure and accountability to a roster filled with stars that experienced significant mid-season changes. As a result, the Lakers recorded their first 50-win season and finished in the top three since 2020.

However, his inexperience also showed, especially during the playoffs, where he made evident decisions against the Wolves that led to an early elimination. Those growing pains come with the territory for any first-time head coach, but perhaps because it was the Lakers, Redick's mistakes received as much attention as his successes.

Reflecting on Redick's first year, Doncic praised his former teammate as a great coach. "Not many coaches do the things he did in his first year," he said. "I'm very glad he coached me. Sometimes, I feel like I've been back a bit in Europe. We have a great bond... it's been amazing."

LeBron James, looking ahead to the future of the Lakers, also commended Redick for the job he did this season. "I think no matter what happens, I think JJ will continue to grow. I think he had a great campaign for a rookie coach. And it's very different being a rookie coach. It's already difficult being a rookie coach in the NBA. And it's much more challenging being a rookie coach coaching the Lakers. It's a whole different game."

James continued to praise Redick for handling the situation extremely well, learning every day, and consistently pushing the team. "Here's a great coach and a promising coach who will be great for years to come," he said.

JJ Redick's Outstanding Work with the Lakers

The Lakers brought Redick on board for the long-term future of the team, and this year, despite its ending, feels like a step in the right direction. Bringing him in with minimal coaching experience was a bold move by Rob Pelinka, but it paid off by establishing a solid foundation for the purple and gold's future.

Redick achieved one of his preseason goals by establishing a competitive and winning culture, and at times, the Lakers showed some improvements in three-point shooting and defense, two areas he emphasized this summer. His focus on player development also benefited the Lakers. They received solid contributions from Dalton Knecht and Jordan Goodwin and saw signs of potential in Trey Jemison, Christian Koloko, and Bronny James.

The 40-year-old coach clearly has all the tools he needs to succeed with the Lakers: a high basketball IQ, an experienced staff, talented players, and that killer instinct. Now, it's up to the front office to do their part. The team needs to find players who fit in this iteration of the Lakers, who complement Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves. LA now has a full summer to prepare for a "LeBroncic" season, entering a critical offseason with the right coach for the job.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El balance de la primera temporada de JJ Redick como entrenador de la NBA