NBA – LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul’s radical opinion on JJ Redick’s controversial choices

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

Unable to find the solutions to beat the Timberwolves, JJ Redick already finds himself on vacation, along with his Lakers. Some of his tactical decisions still stick in the craw of fans, and have recently sparked a reaction from… Rich Paul.

Author of thirteen playoff campaigns during his playing career, this was his very first series as a coach. And for many, it was clearly felt. Many observers felt that JJ Redick was no match for Chris Finch in the Lakers-Timberwolves showdown. This would explain in part L.A.’s elimination after just five games.

Still a novice at his position, the Angelino coach was notably stubborn with small-ball. Rudy Gobert took advantage of this in Game 5 and delivered a majestic performance, much to the frustration of Purple & Gold fans. This, along with a choice made by the young tactician during the previous game, namely to keep his starting five on the floor throughout the second half.

Rich Paul takes sides in the JJ Redick debate

By depriving himself of his subtitutes during Game 4, Redick made a plethora of enemies within Lakers Nation. Including Magic Johnson, who is particularly incredulous about this strong and unsuccessful decision. The boss of Klutch Sports and LeBron James’ representative, Rich Paul, was also invited to speak on the subject by Chris Haynes… and took the opposite view of the legendary point guard:

Rich Paul: He was just trying to win the game so he played the players he thought could win the game. He made a strong decision, sure, but the last thing you think about when you’re in a life-or-death situation and you’re trying to win is how tired your players are.

The famous agent would be more inclined to side with Redick.

To back up his point, he even made a bizarre comparison that sent both he and his host into a fit of giggles:

Rich Paul: You may weigh 300 pounds, but if you’re passing a house and a dog comes barking down the driveway, you’re going to do your best sprint ever! You’re going to do everything you can to get out of this situation! Under normal circumstances, you might not run so fast, but with fear, you’ll reach breakneck speed! You won’t worry about the consequences until later.

Redick still has the support of the LeBron clan, or at least one of its most influential members. A good omen ahead of a summer during which he could have felt in danger, which should not be the case in the end.