Potential Lakers Coaching Announcement Could Disrupt 2024 NBA Finals
A year ago, LeBron James was accused of stealing the limelight from the 2023 NBA Finals, specifically from the Denver Nuggets, by suggesting he was considering retirement. This year, his podcast partner, JJ Redick, could inadvertently be doing the same. According to The Athletic, the Lakers are “zeroing in” on hiring ESPN analyst JJ Redick as their next head coach. If the Lakers announce the hire before or during the NBA Finals, it could place Redick in an awkward position. Redick will be on the ABC airwaves alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke for the entirety of the seven-game series, which concludes on June 23 with a potential Game 7.
Timing of the Announcement
The question arises: Should the Lakers wait until the conclusion of the NBA Finals to make the announcement? Gilbert Arenas believes the Lakers should “get it out of the way” to avoid diverting attention from the Mavericks vs. Celtics series. Arenas said on his “Gil’s Arena” podcast. “If you wait until after the finals when there’s no other basketball talk, the hire is going to be dissected. Because it will be only [basketball] news, you’re going to have everyone’s opinion — the good, bad and ugly. You’ll have stuff you don’t want. If you don’t want that pressure, just throw it [announce] right away.”
Contrary to reports that the Lakers had finalized Redick as their next head coach, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that the Rob Pelinka-led front office was “in no rush” to name Darvin Ham’s successor. The report added that Redick’s representatives and the Lakers have “not had conversations” about contract details. “Redick is working the NBA Finals as a television analyst, and it’s widely believed that is playing a role in how everyone will proceed in the closing stages of the search,” wrote Lakers beat writer Dan Woike.
The Impact of Redick’s Potential Hire
If Redick does land the high-profile job, he would join the ranks of former players who landed a head-coaching gig in the NBA with no prior coaching experience. This group includes Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Derek Fisher. At least two of these ex-players went on to succeed as head coaches, providing a precedent for Redick’s potential success.Redick’s transition from analyst to coach could bring a fresh perspective to the Lakers. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his recent experience as a player, might offer valuable insights and strategies. However, the timing of the announcement is crucial. An ill-timed announcement could overshadow the NBA Finals, drawing attention away from the players and the games themselves.
Balancing Public Perception and Strategic Planning
The Lakers’ decision-makers are likely weighing the potential backlash of announcing Redick’s hiring during the Finals against the benefits of getting ahead of the news cycle. Announcing during the Finals could be seen as disrespectful to the ongoing competition and might draw criticism from fans and analysts alike. On the other hand, delaying the announcement until after the Finals could lead to intense scrutiny and prolonged media speculation. Read more at http://ndtvsports.com
Conclusion
The potential hiring of JJ Redick as the Lakers’ next head coach is a noteworthy development, signaling a shift in team dynamics that could impact the outcome of the 2024 NBA Finals. Redick’s transition from player to coach reflects a growing trend in the NBA. Where former athletes are assuming coaching roles, leveraging their on-court experience and insights on the sidelines. Redick’s potential appointment could bring fresh insights and strategies to the Lakers, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead. Follow for more http://viralenews.com
