Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy has chimed in on the comments made by former New Orleans guard J.J. Redick, who was dealt to the Mavericks last week in a trade deadline day agreement.
Redick claims Pelicans executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin promised the team would move him to a situation he liked after he requested a trade last fall. As previously reported, the 36-year-old asked to play for a team in the Northeast with hopes of being closer to his family. New Orleans struggled to find a suitable package and traded him to Dallas instead.
“[J.J.] had some things that he wanted to happen. But I think Griff cared very much about what J.J. wanted, but he has a responsibility to Gayle Benson and to the organization that supersedes all of that,” Van Gundy said as part of a larger quote, as relayed by ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.
Van Gundy and Redick have a history dating back to Orlando from 2007-12. Regardless of what was communicated between Redick and the Pelicans, the sharpshooter’s focus has surely shifted to helping the Mavericks secure a postseason berth for the second straight season. Dallas currently holds the seventh-best record in the Western Conference at 25-21.
There’s more from the Southwest Division today:
- Speaking of Redick, the 15-year veteran has yet to play for the Mavericks due to a right heel injury, as relayed by The Associated Press. No timetable has been set for his return. “My understanding is that things are going in a very good direction,” head coach Rick Carlisle said. “We obviously hope he can be back 100% sooner than later.” Redick underwent a non-surgical procedure over three weeks ago to relieve inflammation and soreness.
- Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. expects to return from a torn meniscus this month, Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian tweets. Jackson suffered the injury last August and was ruled out for the remainder of the 2019/20 season. The 22-year-old averaged 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 28.5 minutes per game during the campaign, appearing in 57 contests.
- Various players and staff from the Rockets recently received COVID-19 vaccines, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle notes. As we previously relayed, the NBA has relaxed its league-wide protocols and restrictions for those who receive the vaccine.
Van Gundy…why are you saying anything about this? Wish him the best and move on. I don’t care how handsome you are, you’re a clown coach!
Are SVG and Ron Jeremy the same guy?
Someone told me once 20-30 years ago that I looked like Ron Jeremy.
Unfortunately the resemblance doesn’t extend as far as I wish it did.
I feel for Zion to have the idiot that is Van Gundy as his coach. Hedo said he changed the plays back In the run to the finals back In the day. Look at the Pistons moving forward well now that he is gone!
Jackson back, it seems so long. Can’t believe he and Morant haven’t hardly played together. Gotta think Grizz will get better.
says he tore his meniscus in august, 7 months ago. i’ve read that players tear it, have surgery days later and are playing in a month. was this the most severe meniscus tear you can get?
We had some quotes from the front office in a previous story explaining why it’s taken so long: link to hoopsrumors.com
full repair. okay, thanks Luke. i’d do full repair also, don’t wanna end up like roy.
The Rockets have gone 2-14 in the games that John Wall missed this season and are 4-19 without Christian Wood. They’re 8-7 in the 15 games with both guys healthy.
A sad day when a fan is getting excited about an 8-7 record. Oh how the mighty have fallen in around 6 months. Rockets looking at a hard road to travel now.
A sad day when a fan is getting excited about an 8-7 record. Oh how the mighty have fallen in around 6 months. Rockets looking at a hard road to travel now.
In the link, Griffin said there was some interest in Redick in the NE, but more in Dallas, and Dallas is going to be in, so he did his job, and SVG agrees. Mentioning Benson though, like he was passing the blame to his boss when he is up for firing… iffy.
I was wrong, Redick was not traded for Nicolo Melli, but with Melli, for a prospect and James Johnson. Johnson does have purposes— toughness, and playmaking rare for a 4. Not sue if the Pels need that though, with Adams and a tall Lonzo.