3 Players Phoenix Suns Should Sign with COVID-19 Hardship Exception

Phoenix Suns Replacement Player to Add: J.J. Redick

Right now, J.J. Redick looks quite comfortable working as an analyst for ESPN. He especially fills out the desk well when joining First Take, having even put Stephan A. Smith in his place once or twice already this NBA season.

But with the league falling apart and the Suns able to grant him his best chance at winning an NBA title, he might consider suiting back up for one more go around.

Last year, Redick split his time between the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks. Collectively, he averaged 7.4 points and 1.2 assists per game while shooting a crisp 37.1 percent from deep.

But as a career 41.5 percent shooter from three, knocking down triples and spacing the floor off the bench is the only thing Phoenix likely asks him to do. As a guy who typically darts around the floor while away from the ball and with the ability to shoot in motion, he represents an ideal replacement should someone like Landry Shamet go into protocols.

Regardless, even if the Suns manage to keep Shamet on the floor, as well as most of their other shooters, Redick still promises to make this team better.

First and foremost, Redick clearly believes in this Suns team. Going back to his work for ESPN, Redick aggressively defended Phoenix just a few weeks ago when Smith said their championship window was “closed.”

Even with that being a ludicrous take, the way Redick bounced back to defend the Suns still speaks volumes especially when considering how often the mainstream media likes to ignore them. He knows this team, knows their capabilities, and clearly thinks highly of them.

Also as a veteran, Redick likely helps keep the Suns grounded and focused as a still young and hungry team, illustrating positive leadership both on the floor and in the locker room.

At the same time, Redick played four seasons starting beside current Phoenix point guard Chris Paul, including one where he led the NBA after shooting 47.5 percent from range. That chemistry between those two carried over onto this team comes along as just another bonus.