Thank You JJ Redick
After what seemed like a century of losing, the Sixers exited the 2016-2017 season with hope. Joel Embiid was as good as advertised and although he went down with an injury, Sixers fans could not have been more excited for what he, and eventual Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, were going to bring to the city of Philadelphia.
All the Sixers needed was one more piece to construct a balanced, playoff-ready starting lineup. And JJ Redick was that piece.
Redick came to Philadelphia fresh off of four highly productive seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers in which he emerged as one of the top three-point snipers in the league. He was the first big free agent coup for the Sixers in many years and his signing represented a new era of Sixers basketball. After years of disappointment and losing, Redick showed confidence in the Sixers organization and its future by committing to Philadelphia.
Redick provided Sixers fans with many moments we will never forget. From a seemingly impossible three-pointer that sealed a win against the Pacers in 2017, to 17 hard earned points in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Raptors, JJ gave his all to this city. He shot the lights out in the Sixers playoff series win against the Heat last year and he averaged a career-high 18 points per game this year in his 13th NBA season.
While he was an integral part of the starting lineup for two successful seasons, he was also invaluable off the floor. Redick was a true leader in the locker room and with class, poise, and patience, he instilled his veteran leadership into the Sixers young stars. When he was told that he would not be an opening game starter this season, JJ accepted his new role with gratitude. He told the media that he wanted to do whatever it took to help the team win and if the team needed him to be a bench player, then so be it. And when the Sixers selected shooting guard Landry Shamet in the 2018 draft, JJ immediately took him under his wing. Frequent practice videos showed JJ and Landry doing shooting drills together as JJ imparted his basketball wisdom with young Shamet. The professionalism that Redick carried himself with was truly admirable and will be missed.
On page A11 of the Philadelphia Inquirer this morning, you can find an ad JJ took out to thank the city for a special two years. In the ad, he praised the fans of Philadelphia by saying,
“The way you rally for the sports teams here [in Philadelphia] is special. There is nothing like playing in Philadelphia and I’m so fortunate to have worn the 76ers jersey.”
Throughout his time here, JJ admired Philadelphia sports fans. He came to love the symbiotic relationship that we have with our athletes and he embraced it. He understood why we were so passionate. He understood why we boo sometimes. And he understood that if he gave it his all, we would give our all back to him.
Thank you, JJ. Thank you for your heart. Thank you for the big shots. Thank you for your perfect three-point celebrations. And thank you for understanding what we are all about.
Best of luck in New Orleans and know that you will always have a home at the Wells Fargo Center.
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