Former NBA player JJ Redick is reportedly in the running for the head-coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets, according to a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Redick, who retired from the NBA in 2021 after a successful 15-season career, has transitioned to a role as an NBA analyst at ESPN since his retirement. He has quickly climbed the ranks to become part of the network’s No. 1 broadcast team this season.
Despite lacking formal coaching experience, Redick has shown a keen interest in coaching in recent years. He previously interviewed for the Toronto Raptors coaching job in 2023. The Hornets are currently seeking a new head coach after Steve Clifford resigned in April to take on a front-office role. The team had a disappointing season, finishing with a 21-61 record.
Charlotte has been struggling in recent years, missing the playoffs since 2016 and failing to win a playoff series since 2004-05. However, the team has some promising young talent, including LaMelo Ball, who earned an All-Star bid in just his second season, and rookie Brandon Miller, who was a finalist for Rookie of the Year.
Additionally, the Hornets have the third-best odds in the upcoming draft and are gearing up for their second season under new ownership led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall. With a new coach potentially at the helm and strong young players on the roster, there is renewed hope for the Hornets to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming seasons.
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