New shooting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans JJ Redick is set to join a fairly young roster comprised chiefly by first overall pick Zion Williamson and recent acquisitions in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart via the Anthony Davis trade.
Despite the leaning-young roster, Redick, 35, appears ready to face the next challenge in his 13-year NBA career.
Via Nathan Brown in NOLA.com:
“I’ve been mentoring guys for a long time – that’s not part of me that just started in Philadelphia,” said the 35-year-old long-range sharpshooter. “It’s something I take a lot of pride in, and I’m a firm believer that the best way to lead and mentor is through action.”
The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter and occasional podcaster last competed for the Philadelphia 76ers for the past two seasons, who reached their first postseason berth in six years with Redick on the squad.
That Sixers team leaned young, too, heavily relying on Redick's exhaustive NBA experience to guide center Joel Embiid and Rookie of the Year point-forward Ben Simmons in the right direction on head coach Brett Brown's team.
The Pelicans have also brought in 2019 first-round picks in Texas center Jaxson Hayes, selected eighth overall, and Virginia Tech shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, both of whom impressed scouts and fans at the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League in July.
New Orleans also acquired the draft rights to 35th overall pick forward Marcos Louzada Silva out of Brazil. Aside from veterans Jrue Holiday, E'Twaun Moore, and Derrick Favors, the Bayou franchise could likely see three or more rookies heavily contributing to this season's team.
Additionally, Redick told Brown that his expectation is to reach the playoffs with this group, and that he wouldn't sign with a new team if the Duke alum didn't believe they could make the postseason.
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