NBA Rumors: JJ Redick ‘Serious Candidate’ for Hornets HC Job After Interview

Doric SamApril 24, 2024

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After a report from earlier this week that former NBA guard and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick was interviewing for the Hornets head coaching job, it sounds like he’s gaining traction for the position.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on Wednesday that Redick is considered a “serious candidate” for the Hornets’ vacancy and he “could have another interview soon as well.”

Run It Back @RunItBackFDTV”JJ Redick has interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job, I’m told, he could have another interview soon as well, he’s a serious candidate…”@ShamsCharania on JJ Redick interviewing with the #Hornets

📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/65ftxrSCqZ

Despite having no formal coaching experience, Redick has established himself as an innovative young mind in the world of basketball through his broadcasting endeavors.

After he retired from the NBA following a 15-year career in 2021, Redick quickly transitioned to a media career by joining ESPN as a studio analyst. He quickly rose through the ranks and began working as an in-game analyst this season. After Doc Rivers departed ESPN to become head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Redick was named to the company’s No. 1 basketball broadcast team alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

Also, Redick began co-hosting the Mind the Game podcast alongside Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. In addition to showing his prowess in dissecting film, Redick has been able to match wits with James and display a level of basketball IQ comparable to one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen.

Charania noted that Redick has been interested in becoming a coach in the NBA for quite some time, so even if he isn’t hired by the Hornets, he could garner interest from other teams with head coach openings this offseason.

“JJ Redick has a strong desire, potentially, to move into coaching. He’s been public about that, privately I’m hearing that as well,” Charania said. “If it’s not Charlotte, there could be more interviews for JJ Redick in his future in this potential cycle.”