New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick (4) goes to basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Frank … [+]
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When the Dallas Mavericks traded to get JJ Redick from the New Orleans Pelicans, they knew they were getting one of the NBA ‘s top shooters. Throughout his long career, the former guard is among the league’s leaders in making three-point goals, efforts and percentage. However, the Mavericks may not be aware that that is surprising.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson said Redick is excited to come to Dallas and play alongside Luka Doncic, who is “one of his favorite players. But Nelson also spoke strongly about Redick’s situation. Not only do the Mavericks not know when Redick will be available for play, but they were also not his favorite destination.
“We want to make sure heels are 100%,” said Nelson, “so in a bigger situation we have a chance that it may work for him and then slowly, when he is comfortable. , unification and coming to Dallas. ”
Redick has been out of the All-Star fracture recovering from a non-surgical procedure on his right heel. Nelson said Redick is in contact with Mavericks Director of Health and Performance Player Casey Smith, who has a relationship with Redick through U.S. Basketball. However, there is no definite date when Redick is expected to join the team.
“I don’t have a proper timetable,” said Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “I spoke to him [Redick] earlier [Friday] and he said he was getting on. Not sure what the timeline is, but he was very optimistic about that he has been getting better and better as time has passed here. So, we hope for the best. ”
The news that Redick will not be available for an indefinite period of time. It begs the question: To what extent, if anything, did Dallas know about the full extent of the injury and overcoming Redick through the trading process? This is one of many basic situations that emerge as details of the contract emerge. Another thing is that Redick did not want to join the Mavericks at all.
“I think he would have preferred – in a buying position – to be able to choose his position, but that didn’t happen,” Nelson said.
That’s not standard language from GMs after they’ve turned a trade. They usually choose their words carefully and chew their speech in stages. Nelson didn’t either.
Of course, it’s not news that Redick was keeping an eye on buying so he could join a title contender. Redick reportedly called for a trade earlier in the season and as far back as Thursday ‘s trading deadline, there was still speculation that the Pelicans would buy Redick. It didn’t happen.
Nelson’s open-minded views found more questions than answers about the Dallas trade to get Redick. Some questions may never be answered. Nevertheless, the agreement is done. Ultimately, despite the now-known concerns about Redick’s chance, the Mavericks traded for him for one main reason. They wanted a bullet of his ancestry on the team.
“I think JJ is definitely a stranger to intense play and big pictures in big times,” Nelson said. “It’s very important for us to put another bullet next to Luka.”