JJ Redick's veteran advice to Zion Williamson: 'Don't f--- this up for me'
The veteran is telling it to the rookie straight.
The New Orleans Pelicans held media day on Monday amid a long wave of optimism that erupted when they got the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery and used it to take generational talent Zion Williamson.
Ahead of training camp, veteran JJ Redick had sage advice for the youngster.
“Don’t f--- this up for me.”
And by "veteran leadership", I mean... https://t.co/nOwQxWc8nJ
— David Griffin (@dg_riff) September 30, 2019
The video sells the moment, with Redick admitting to his advice and Williamson laughing about it with the look of a mildly bewildered 19-year-old
“He had just given me some great advice and then, I mean, the whole mood shifted. He was like, I’m 13 for 13, don’t mess this up for me.”
The 35-year-old Redick, who also played collegiate basketball at Duke, signed with the Pelicans in July as a free agent. His 13-for-13 remark is in reference to making the playoffs every season he’s been in the league, first with the Orlando Magic for seven years. He reached the postseason after a mid-year move to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2012-13, followed by four seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and two with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The streak might be in jeopardy because of a young Pelicans squad and a stacked Western Conference, and will depend on the success of Williamson.
It’s more a directive than advice, but it sure gets the point across.
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