Valley of the Suns
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The Case for Signing J.J. Redick This Offseason

By Vaughan Jones

October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) shoots a basket against the defense of Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) shoots a basket against the defense of Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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After shooting at a poor clip all season, the Suns have needed a change in 3-point land. While Devin Booker serves as a viable option at shooting guard long-term, J.J. Redick, an upcoming free agent, could help fix the shooting woes in Phoenix.

Five years ago the Suns shot 34.3% from beyond the arc. They were middle of the road, 17th overall in the league. That’s not too shabby. This year, the Suns have shot 34.3% from beyond the arc. They now find themselves at 24th in the league in overall 3-point percentage. Now, this is no fluke. With the Rockets new pop-a-shot offense, the rise of Steph Curry and the Warriors, and Cleveland stocking up on 3-point shooters like there’s a desperate shortage, the NBA’s game has changed over the last 5 years. A team can’t place in the bottom ten in 3-point percentage and continue to be relevant. If the Suns have any hope of rebuilding, they need strong shooters to compliment their core of young talent.

Enter J.J. Redick. An upcoming free agent leaving a team on the road to nowhere (again). Riddled with injuries (again), the Clippers have been up and down like a roller coaster all season (again). Guys like JJ Redick, the consistent role players, have to get fed up eventually. And though Phoenix isn’t exactly a dream destination, we have something crucial: cap space. Someone like Redick, who is currently paid just under $7 million a year, could receive a little extra by signing with Phoenix.

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How specifically would Redick increase three-point production in Phoenix? By being himself, of course. He’s currently in the midst of his third season in a row shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, and is second on the team behind Chris Paul in that category. Redick is an absolute weapon and has games where he can be totally unconscious in his catch and shoot game. On the fast break, he’s one of the most viable guards in the NBA. Imagine a lineup with Bled at the point, Redick at the 2, and a beefed up Booker playing the 3. With the NBA starting to go small, maybe this couldn’t be the starting lineup just yet. But, if they need a scoring kick, the Suns could use that lineup for instant offense.

Though it may seem like a pipe dream to tear away a talented and successful shooting guard from his team of four years, anything can happen if Ryan McDonough wants it enough. Hopefully the Suns will see some sort of offseason moves (yes, plural), and if fans are lucky, maybe J.J. will be added to the mix.

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