Anthony Davis spoke about JJ Redick’s preference for an analysis-based coaching approach. He noted that he isn’t fully familiar with the true depth of analytics, and doesn’t understand a lot of it. Davis takes a simpler approach to basketball, focuses on winning, and doesn’t think strong numbers entail success.
“I don’t even know what some of that stuff means. That doesn’t matter to me. What matters is we have more points than the other team at the end of the game. That’s all I care about…”
“It doesn’t even matter. It has no importance to me whatsoever. I don’t care about numbers, numbers aren’t anything. You could average 50, but be in last place. You get nothing for that.”
JJ Redick is someone who has long espoused the benefits and merits of analytics and true statistics, far before he even became a coach in the NBA. During his days as an NBA commentator and on-air personality, he would often rely on statistics to make his arguments in favor or against players on teams.
Both approaches are fair, but considering that Redick is in charge of the team, players like Davis who might be skeptical about the use of analytics have to accept that they will have to pay attention to their numbers, as Redick tries to make steady improvements during the course of the season.
No doubt, Anthony Davis is going to be one of the most important players for the Lakers next season. The multiple-time All-Star is coming off one of his best, and most consistent seasons, as he played 76 games, and averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
On top of that, he was one of the key stars for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, as he helped secure the gold medal for the squad. Coming off a great year, Redick is going to want to continue the strong momentum performances from Davis.
Genuine Excitement Surrounding Lakers’ Season
For the first time in quite a while, Lakers fans are excited to see their team begin the season. While they have almost the exact same roster from the previous season, where they underwhelmed in the regular season and the playoffs, the new coaching hire of JJ Redick has fans believing in the squad once again.
Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are two of the best players in the world and are still playing at the highest level possible. If Redick can bring out the best in the role players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and D’Angelo Russell, then the Lakers might have to be considered championship contenders.
The Lakers could make their way back to the playoffs next season but will have a tough road ahead of them considering how strong the Western Conference is, with teams like the Mavericks, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Thunder looking like title contenders.
It’s a long road ahead, but one that could be incredibly rewarding for Lakers fans who have been through a lot of heartbreak in recent years.
