Another very interesting conversation in JJ Redick’s podcast. The former shooter will soon broadcast an episode of “Old Man and The Three” with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, of which he broadcast a large excerpt.
The subject ? The delicate balance for NBA players between selfishness and the interest of the team, in his role.
Andre Iguodala explains that there is “a few guys” in the Great League who are extremely talented but who he didn’t want on his team because they were “just happy to be there”. He thus takes the example of Christian Wood, in relation to the rumors circulating about the Lakers player, even if he admits not knowing him.
Conversely, there are players who are not necessarily the most talented, but who manage to find a place in the league through their mentality and their “madness”.
“There are some guys who wouldn’t be in the NBA if they didn’t have this crazy mentality about how they see themselves.” explains the MVP of the 2015 Finals. “There is a certain selfishness in their own representation. If Dillon Brooks wasn’t crazy, he wouldn’t be in the NBA. »
Evan Turner: “I accepted my role so much that I limited my career”
For JJ Redick, it is not a question of selfishness but of adaptation and “natural selection”. Basketball players who arrive in the NBA do so following a huge selection process. Very often the best players in their youth teams, however, they often have to change to be able to find their place in the league.
“I always felt like I accepted my role, you (Andre Iguodala) were celebrated and honored for accepting your role…” he begins, before being cut off by Evan Turner.
“I didn’t accept my role. I just didn’t hate him.” secures the 2nd choice of the 2010 Draft. “And I’m going to say something.” I accepted my role so much that I limited my career. »
“He (Andre Iguodala) talked about this irrational confidence, and you lose a little of that by accepting a role” concludes JJ Redick. An observation confirmed by Evan Turner, who admits to having lost his “killer instinct” by slipping into the role he was given: “I lost the ‘Fuck You’ mentality I needed to play. »
