J.J. Redick wants to finish his career as a Sixer, win NBA titles

By John Wetzel, Sports Talk Philly staff 

Shortly after the Philadelphia 76ers announced the signings of shooter JJ Redick and center Amir Johnson, they held a press conference on Sunday where Redick opened up on why he chose the Sixers in free agency."Truthfully, for probably the eight weeks between the season and free agency, I wanted to be in Philadelphia. That was the place I wanted to be, I thought it was the best fit."


Why was Philadelphia so appealing to him? According to Redick, Coach Brett Brown was a big reason why he wanted to come to Philly.

"To be honest he was probably the biggest factor in this decision. He's someone that I've watched and wanted to play for and I'm thrilled to be playing for him next year. I think for me, personally, that was the biggest thing."

Redick went on about Brett Brown.

"There's something about his disposition, the way he's coached this basketball team, the way he's embraced the process. The spirit of the Sixers has never been broken and I think that speaks volumes to Coach Brown."

On what he brings to the table, Redick talked on that.

"Josh [Harris] and Dave [Blitzer] and Bryan [Colangelo] aren't paying me 23 million dollars just to be a leader. They're paying me that because I can play."

More from Redick on why he's more than just a locker room leader:

"The most effective way is guys that can be on the court with you and in the moment, teach you, work with you. That's how you really get better and that's how you win games."

Redick will specifically be helping young ball handlers, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, on the floor. Those two need players like Redick who can space the floor and allow them to drive into the paint. 

Off the court, Redick will be a huge help for second year shooter Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot. This will be another developmental year for TLC as a player. So giving him a mentor like Redick, who's one of the best shooters in NBA history, should help him out big time as he works to become Redick's heir to the starting two-guard spot.

That is of course, unless Redick sticks around a little bit longer, which he expressed interest to do.

"My hope is that this is a long-term thing and that I'm here three or four years and can finish my career with the Sixers."

The direction the Sixers are headed is what has Redick interested in staying longer than his current one year contract.

"I really believe this is a team that over the next three or four years will become the best team in the East… I hope I'm sort of part of that rise just beyond this year because I think we can be a playoff team and I think in the next two or three years we can contend for conference championships and hopefully at some point NBA championships."

The Sixers cap situation moving forward could make it difficult to keep Redick past the next couple years, but his sharp-shooting would be difficult to let go of. No matter what the future has in store for Redick and the Sixers, it's nice to see he's genuinely interested in being a a part of the Sixers' future.

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