The Philadelphia 76ers were ousted from the playoffs in dramatic fashion by the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, but they accomplished more this past season than most expected. One of the key reasons they did so well was that J.J. Redick was such a valuable addition. On Thursday morning, the shooting guard opened up about his experience and hinted he’ll be trying to stay involved in The Process going forward.
“I don’t want to offend any of the other places I have been,” Redick said, per Evan Macy of Philly Voice, “or teams I have been on but this was probably my favorite year of my career. Playing in Philly is it’s own experience and our fans, the city, the buzz about sports and about this team was amazing.”
He also added, “I think there’s something to be said for continuity.”
Redick had a career year in Philly, putting up career-high point totals (17.1 per game) and assists (three per game). He didn’t make a commitment to returning to the Sixers in free agency, noting the financials are always a factor. But he sounded very much like a man who doesn’t want to leave, too.
He also talked up the team’s two young superstars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, whom he believes should win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year (we do, too). There’s definitely some magic in the air with this team, which obviously still has plenty of growing up to do in the future. Keeping a veteran like Redick on board would go a long way toward accomplishing that.