Timberwolves coach Chris Finch mocks Lakers JJ Redick’s podcast-filled resume
You may remember some controversy when the Los Angeles Lakers chose JJ Redick as their new coach.
You may remember the Lakers defending the hiring of a coach whose previous coaching experience consisted of his son’s youth basketball team, bolstered by three years as an ESPN broadcaster and podcaster, following a 15-year playing career in the NBA.
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Chances are you remember this, but something tells us Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch sure does.
During an appearance on “The Zach Lowe Show”, Finch – who among other things worked as a coach in the NBA and other professional leagues for 24 years before getting the T-wolves job – introduced himself to the audience with some damn humor.
“I bet three-quarters of these people will go home tonight and do a podcast,” Finch said. “I mean, it will qualify you to coach the Lakers.”
That joke got an enthusiastic response from the live audience, while Lowe responded only with an uneasy smile at his co-host and “That’s right.”
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It should probably be noted that this seemed to be more playful than cruel on Finch’s part, but it will still probably be a brutal blow to some people. There’s no denying that it comes from a place of truth, as the Lakers’ hiring of a rookie coach, who was also LeBron James’ podcasting partner, remains one of the wildest swings in recent NBA coaching hiring history.
JJ Redick hasn’t been the disaster some feared when the Lakers signed him. It will still be the subject of some jokes. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Harry How via Getty Images)
Did the rental work? Well, the Lakers went 50-32 last season but were depleted come playoff time, with Finch’s Timberwolves eliminating them in five games in the first round. In one game, Redick used the same lineup of players for the entire second half, then bristled when asked about it afterward.
This season, the team is 8-4 despite missing James, with two wins over Minnesota. Of course, any assessment of Redick’s hire must be accompanied by the note that the Lakers have completely changed course as a franchise with the Luka Dončić trade, which has become increasingly infamous for the Dallas Mavericks and increasingly entertaining for Los Angeles.
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There have definitely been complaints about Redick along the way, but he’s certainly doing better than some of the other coaches hired with his level of experience. However, the jokes will continue until the Lakers do something in the playoffs that will make them fearful again.