Magic Like Redick, But Likely Won't Trade Or Play Him This Season

[CameronCrazy06]

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy is convinced one of the league's most popular players is buried on his bench.

"I get asked more questions about J.J. Redick than I do about Hedo Turkoglu, Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis," Van Gundy said Tuesday, comparing the former Duke star to his top three scorers. "I'm not surprised by it. I know where it comes from."

It comes from the fact that Redick, the No. 11 pick in the 2006 draft, has scarcely been off Van Gundy's bench. Or Brian Hill's, the year before.

The former Duke star has appeared in only 20 of Orlando's 50 games this year, averaging 8.3 minutes and 3.7 points. Last year he played in 42 games, most of it garbage time.

Redick and agent Arn Tellem went public last week with his frustration, asking to get more minutes or be traded. The all-time college 3-point leader and second-best NCAA free throw shooter in history, Redick said he still wants to play for Orlando. But more than that, he just wants to play.

Unfortunately for him, the Magic say he won't get more minutes or a ticket out of town before the Feb. 21 trade deadline.

Part of the problem is the Magic say they really like Redick, and don't want him playing for anyone else. Van Gundy gushes about how hard he practices, and says Redick's attitude hasn't soured despite the trade request.

Another problem is that three guards ahead of him — Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling and Maurice Evans — have expiring contracts, and the Magic want to keep Redick in pocket.

"He is a damn good player," Van Gundy said.

The Magic coach said Redick's college popularity muddies the issue to outsiders. To Orlando, he's a promising second-year player on a successful, guard-rich team. Arroyo, Dooling, Jameer Nelson and Evans are more seasoned and complete than the sharp-shooting Redick, so they get almost all the minutes.

But to fans who saw Redick in college, it doesn't make sense.

"It's obviously a tough situation. It's tough for anybody who's having to sit on the bench, but I think it's even tougher," Van Gundy said. "People say, 'Well, this is a lottery pick.' Well, there's a lot of lottery picks sitting on the bench. Jermaine O'Neal sat for six years, you know? And then became an All-Star."

"(Redick) stayed in college, became a big name in the most recognizable program, or one of them, in the country," Van Gundy said. "And so he's not even like other lottery picks. There's so much scrutiny in everything on him."

 

[Pugz]

It does suck that he is a bench warmer.
I think they should play him or trade him.

 

[CameronCrazy06]

I agree. I don't think it's fair that they won't play him just so they can have him in case so-and-so happens. Either play him or trade him...

 

[RipCity32]

That's kind of gay.

"We won't trade you, but your not going to play either."

Real boost of confidence. LOL.

 

[Mexi]

hahahahahahaha

 

[CameronCrazy06]

That's kind of gay.

"We won't trade you, but your not going to play either."

Real boost of confidence. LOL.

They're thinking because three of our guards are expiring FAs, that we need to keep him. I think it's gay as well. Next year SVG will find another reason not to play him...

 

[.GR]

Jermaine Oneil sat for 6 years?!?!? Damn!

 

[Pugz]

Jermaine Oneil sat for 6 years?!?!? Damn!

Yea but while he sat he had Sheed and Cliff Robinson helping him get better. Then he was traded for Dale Davis.

 

[CameronCrazy06]

Are you implying Redick isn't getting better? Lol...

 

[Pugz]

Are you implying Redick isn't getting better? Lol...

Ha no,What I was saying is JO had vets helping him get better and develop onto the hybrid type PF.

No one on the Magic can help JJ unless it's with defense..I mean I would say he is better than Bogans and Dooling.
Maybe they could help him with D and driving the lanes but shooting they have nothing on him.

 

[VC3]

LOL

I hate it when coaches don't give young players PT.

See:

- Patrick O'Bryant (I think he has great talent but Nellie a <Censored> and plays others)
- Brandan Wright (great talent)
- Belinelli (good shooter who can give a "spark" off the bench if played)

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