đ âBeyond the Arc: How JJ Redick Went from Duke Legend to NBA Star, Media Icon, and Coaching Prospectâ
In the world of basketball, few names echo louder in college halls and NBA arenas than JJ Redick. Known for his flamethrower jump shot, fiery confidence, and unmatched work ethic, Redick wasnât just a star â he was a force of nature. But while many athletes fade into the background after their playing days, JJ Redick has done the exact opposite. From record-breaking nights in Durham to a successful 15-year NBA career, and now a media mogul and rising coaching candidate, Redickâs journey is still unfolding. And as rumors swirl about his future on the sidelines, one thing is clear: JJ Redick isnât just a Duke legend â heâs a basketball icon redefining what legacy looks like.
 A Legend is Born in Durham
Redickâs journey began in Roanoke, Virginia, but it was in Durham, North Carolina where his legend truly came to life. From 2002 to 2006, JJ Redick lit up Cameron Indoor Stadium with his lightning-quick release and limitless range. He wasnât just another shooter â he was the shooter. With a killer instinct and a brash confidence, Redick embraced the pressure and the hate, often turning hostile arenas into silent tombs.
He graduated from Duke as the ACCâs all-time leading scorer (2,769 points at the time) and the NCAAâs all-time leader in made three-pointers. He won the 2006 Naismith Player of the Year, earned consensus First Team All-American honors, and led the Blue Devils to multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs. His No. 4 jersey now hangs in the rafters at Cameron, a reminder of the sniper who could bend games to his will with a flick of his wrist.
But Redickâs greatness wasnât just in the numbers â it was in his obsession with the game. Known for his grueling practice routines and obsessive work ethic, Redick set the tone for an entire generation of Duke players. He became the blueprint: a player who combined relentless repetition with sharp intelligence and deep passion for the game.
From NBA Role Player to Respected Veteran
Many doubted whether Redickâs college dominance would translate to the NBA. He wasnât overly athletic, and critics questioned whether he could defend at the next level. But once again, Redick proved the doubters wrong â not with flash, but with fundamentals, toughness, and elite shooting.
Over the course of 15 NBA seasons with teams like the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans, Redick carved out a reputation as one of the leagueâs most dependable sharpshooters. He made over 1,900 career three-pointers, shot nearly 42% from deep, and started in numerous playoff runs.
But perhaps more importantly, Redick became one of the NBAâs most respected voices â both in the locker room and in postgame interviews. His poise, leadership, and basketball IQ turned him into more than a shooter; he became a mentor, a thinker, and eventually⊠a voice.
The Rise of a Media Powerhouse
Upon retiring from the NBA in 2021, Redick didnât disappear â he evolved.
He launched The Old Man & The Three, a podcast that quickly became one of the most respected shows in the basketball world. With candid conversations, insider insights, and a player-to-player tone that fans had never heard before, Redick flipped the script on traditional sports media.
He later joined ESPN, where his sharp analysis, direct style, and willingness to challenge narratives made him a breakout star on programs like First Take and NBA Countdown. He wasnât afraid to disagree with Stephen A. Smith. He didnât shy away from critiquing legends. And most of all, he brought intelligence and honesty back to basketball discussion.
Now, Redick isnât just seen as a former player â heâs a trusted voice in the game, shaping how millions understand basketball.
Coaching Buzz: A Return to the Sidelines?
While JJ Redick has found success in media, thereâs another calling he may soon answer â coaching.
In 2024, Redick stunned the sports world when he emerged as a finalist for the Los Angeles Lakersâ head coaching job. Though he ultimately didnât get the position, his candidacy sparked a firestorm of conversation. Could a player with no formal coaching experience lead one of the NBAâs marquee franchises? For Redick, the answer was clearly yes â and many believe itâs only a matter of time before he lands a spot on an NBA or NCAA bench.
Some fans have even dared to dream: Could JJ Redick one day return to Duke as a head coach?
While Jon Scheyer currently leads the Blue Devils with poise and success, Redick remains closely tied to the program. He visits, he supports, and he speaks with reverence about Coach Kâs influence on his life. In fact, Coach K himself has said Redick possesses the qualities of a great coach â discipline, vision, communication, and emotional intelligence.
Whether itâs Duke, the NBA, or a surprise destination, the whispers are growing louder: JJ Redick, head coach, may be coming sooner than we think.
Legacy, Redefined
In todayâs basketball world, where fame fades fast and hot takes fly, JJ Redick has done the remarkable â heâs remained relevant without chasing attention. Heâs elevated every phase of his career: from college star to NBA sniper, from media voice to coaching candidate. And through it all, heâs remained unapologetically himself â confident, articulate, passionate, and deeply devoted to the game.
Heâs more than just a Duke legend. JJ Redick is a blueprint for the modern basketball journeyâone that doesnât end at the final buzzer, but continues through influence, leadership, and purpose.
Wherever Redick goes next, one thing is for certain: the arc of his career keeps rising â and heâs still far from finished.
