The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as two of the season’s biggest letdowns. Before the season began, anticipation ran high for their success. However, both teams currently lie just outside the play-in tournament cutoff. According to one analyst, the chances of either Steph Curry or LeBron James securing another championship with their respective teams seem slim.
During his appearance on ESPN, JJ Redick delivered a stark but true reality check for both Steph Curry, LeBron James, and their respective teams.
He said:
I don’t think either of these teams are likely to win a championship this year. These teams are trending in the right direction. I don’t think it’s likely that either gets a 5th title unless they’re willing to go somewhere else because I just don’t see either of those teams being capable of making a move that moves the needle in the next few years.
JJ’s lack of belief in the Lakers or Warriors stems from his observation that there are few available stars to join LeBron or Steph. With most stars already on strong teams like the Milwaukee Bucks or Chicago Bulls, it would be surprising to see them depart. He continued:
Who is the next guy that’s available? Donovan Mitchell, maybe? That’s the rumor. I think he’s been fantastic in Cleveland, I hope he doesn’t leave Cleveland. Joel Embiid isn’t leaving Philly. Maybe it’s Giannis?
Although it remains premature to determine whether the Warriors or Lakers ought to be entirely discounted, it is clear that they will not emerge as frontrunners in the foreseeable future.
“I don’t think it’s likely that [LeBron and Steph] gets a 5th title unless they’re willing to go somewhere else because I just don’t see [the Lakers and Warriors] being capable of making a move that moves the needle in the next few years.”
– JJ Redickpic.twitter.com/OYvVnSxEtk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2024
JJ Redick calls out former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers
ESPN analyst JJ Redick isn’t holding back on criticism for his former boss and coach, despite having played under the now Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers in the past. Redick vehemently criticized Rivers for remarks he made about the challenges of joining a team mid-season.
Doc Rivers for the Milwaukee Bucks (Via: Sports Illustrated)On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take, Redick unleashed his frustration, accusing Rivers of throwing [his] team under the bus.’
I’ve seen the trend for years. The trend is always making excuses. Doc, we get it. Taking over a team in the middle of a season is hard. It’s hard. We get it. It’s hard. But it’s always an excuse. It’s always throwing your team under the bus.
Having spent four seasons together on the Los Angeles Clippers from 2013 to 2017, Redick and Rivers share a significant history, lending more weight to Redick’s criticism. During All-Star weekend, Rivers expressed his frustration to Fox Sports about the timing of his hiring, mentioning a preference for being hired during the All-Star break. He stated,
Taking a job when you’re about to go on the toughest road trip of the season is not the smartest decision.
Since Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin last month, the Bucks have struggled, going 3-7. The team currently occupy third place in the Eastern Conference.
