The Philadelphia 76ers made a lot of headlines during free agency, as they were able to sign one of the more sought after shooters that time, J.J. Redick. In order to secure his services, they came to terms on a one-year, $23 million deal, which many considered as overpaying him. However for Joel Embiid, he thought of him less when it comes to defense, but has since changed his opinion about that facet of his game.

The seven-foot Cameroonian international shared, via Derek Bodner of The Athletic, that he initially expected Redick’s defensive skills to be “trash,” but he is happy now that he has proven him wrong so far this season.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Collin Sexton in Charlotte Hornets jersey wearing #2 and Jusuf Nurkic in Utah Jazz jersey wearing #27 with a purple background
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf NurkicKris Pursiainen ·
The Grizzlies started their 2025 NBA Draft in aggressive fashion by trading up for Cedric Coward.
Memphis Grizzlies 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
NBA player Deandre Ayton in a LA Lakers jersey with the LA Lakers arena in the background, Deandre Ayton free agency contract buyout
Why Lakers must pursue Deandre Ayton in free agency after Blazers buyoutDavid Yapkowitz ·
Lakers' LeBron James shoots over Blazers' Deandre Ayton
Lakers fans already recruiting Deandre Ayton after buyoutJedd Pagaduan ·
image thumbnail
Golden State Warriors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickEnzo Flojo ·
image thumbnail
Jazz rumors: Utah seeking Jordan Clarkson trade, but there’s a catchJedd Pagaduan ·

Redick has been playing solid basketball for the Sixers, and is averaging career-high numbers of 17.0 points and 2.7 rebounds, to go along with 3.5 assists in 33.6 minutes per game. While he has always proven he is a good shooter throughout his career, his all-around brilliance this year has complemented Embiid and his teammates' games.

The 76ers currently have a 14-13 record and if Redick continues to play at a high level as the season progresses, he will make it possible for them to contend for a playoff spot and ultimately end their rebuilding process. The team has not made it to the playoffs for the past five seasons, but that could all change this year if they can sustain their good start.