Longtime sharpshooter JJ Redick is among the many players featured in the new TV series “Clipped,” which delves into the tumultuous era of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Sterling, who was banned for life from the NBA after a tape leaked of him making racist comments, is at the center of the show’s narrative. The new TV series provides a behind-the-scenes look at Sterling’s controversial reign and the internal dynamics of the Clippers during that period.
In a recent episode, former Clippers coach Doc Rivers recounts a revealing conversation with Sterling. Rivers recalls his initial efforts to bolster the team’s roster by targeting Redick, a move that highlights Sterling’s obliviousness to significant NBA talents. “I want to make a play for JJ Redick,” Rivers said. “He’s got two offers already, so we have to spend $30 million for four years.”
Sterling’s response was telling of his lack of engagement with the team’s basketball operations. “Who is this, JJ?” Sterling asked. “I mean, where’s he from?”
Before joining the Clippers, JJ Redick had already made a name for himself as a former lottery pick with the Orlando Magic. He spent six years with the Magic before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. After just 28 games with Milwaukee, Redick entered free agency once again. Rivers, recognizing Redick’s potential, managed to secure him in a sign-and-trade deal with the Bucks in 2013. The deal saw Redick sign his largest contract at the time, earning $27.7 million over four years.
Redick’s time with the Clippers proved to be the longest and one of the most impactful periods of his career. Playing there for four seasons, he became an integral part of the “Lob City” era, a team known for its high-flying frontcourt led by Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan and orchestrated by Chris Paul, the team’s floor general.
The Clippers targeted Redick primarily for his efficient three-point shooting, making him a valuable asset in their offensive schemes. Redick provided a reliable kick-out option for Paul, especially when defenses collapsed on the Paul-Griffin pick-and-roll. Despite being a role player, Redick quickly became a focal point of the team’s offense, averaging around 15 points per game with impressive shooting numbers. In 2016, he led the league in three-point percentage at an astounding 47.5%.
However, despite their regular-season success, the Clippers consistently fell short in the playoffs, never advancing past the second round during Redick’s tenure. The team’s inability to make a deep playoff run eventually led to the dismantling of the “Lob City” core. Redick was among the first to depart, signing a substantial one-year deal worth approximately $23 million with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017.
Redick’s departure from the Clippers marked the beginning of the final chapter of his NBA career. While he enjoyed his highest-scoring seasons with the Sixers, his tenure there was brief, lasting only two years. He later had short stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks before retiring in 2021.
Redick’s career, marked by his sharpshooting prowess and professional longevity, stands as a testament to his work ethic and skill. His inclusion in “Clipped” not only brings attention to his individual journey but also sheds light on a critical period in Clippers history.
The new TV series “Clipped” and the stories it reveals, such as Doc Rivers’ account of recruiting JJ Redick, underscore the disarray within the Clippers organization during Donald Sterling’s tenure. Sterling’s ignorance of key basketball talents like Redick is a stark reminder of his disengagement from the operational aspects of the team, which undoubtedly contributed to the Clippers’ struggles during those years.
Redick’s successful stint with the Clippers, despite the team’s playoff shortcomings, highlights his significant contribution to the sport. His role in “Lob City” and subsequent high-scoring seasons with the 76ers exemplify his adaptability and skill as a player. As the NBA continues to evolve, stories like Redick’s serve as important reminders of the impact individual players can have on a franchise, regardless of the broader organizational challenges they may face.
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