JJ Redick, on an episode of the ‘FLAGRANT’ podcast alongside Andrew Schulz, was asked about many different aspects of the NBA, including his take on the greatest shooters ever. During the conversation, he again stirred controversy with his take on Larry Bird’s place on the list.
JJ Redick asserted that Larry Bird, in his opinion, is not considered one of the top five three-point shooters of all time. He also argued that he wouldn’t be ranked among the top five even if Bird had played in today’s NBA.
Objectively, he [Larry Bird] is not a top-five three-point shooter. He’s just not… And the argument against that is, ‘Oh, well, if he had played in today’s era, he would be a top five [three-point shooter].’ JJ Redick said
He didn’t stop there; he went further by acknowledging that Bird was a great player who excelled at shooting and passing. A player who, like Michael Jordan, was not defined by simple things and sought to stand out from the rest.
However, he was not ready to change his mind about the Boston Celtics legend making it in today’s league as an outside-the-arc shooter. Moreover, Redick is entitled to his opinion as every generation has its own outstanding set of players, and whether the great Larry Bird would have been a success in this era is something no one can tell.
NBA legend comes after JJ Redick for ridiculous statement
JJ Redick doubled down on his past criticism of Larry Bird when he first compared him to Steph Curry and some of the greatest shooters of the game. His first argument was based on the game’s physicality, which he said is greater now than in the past.
However, an NBA legend, Dominique Wilkins, came all guns blazing last time when Redick made that statement. He termed his comments idiotic, ridiculous, and disrespectful.
Redick doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about. What basketball was you watching? To say something as idiotic as that is ridiculous. When you can put your hand on a guy's hip and make him go a certain way... how many guys can deal with that kind of pressure? And for JJ Redick, who has played this game, I'm very disappointed that he said something so stupid. Dominique Wilkins said on SiriusXM
While the debate about NBA eras is as contentious as the GOAT debate, it’s a topic that keeps up hot takes in the basketball community. For now, we await the latest reactions following Redick’s recent take on Larry Bird.
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