Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: How important is 2019-2020 for Pels’ five former Duke Blue Devils ?

By Willie Lutz

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 and Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional Semifinals at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 and Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional Semifinals at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 09: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 09: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. JJ Redick – Class of 2006

This is not JJ Redick’s first rodeo. Entering his 14th year of professional basketball, the 35-year-old has the least to prove of any Pelicans player entering the season.

One of the Pelicans’ select veteran additions this offseason, Redick is in New Orleans to be a solidifying force, not a rampant scorer added to score 30 points a game. He’ll likely be the first option off the bench, play around 25 minutes a night, and hit some big shots along the way.

Last season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Redick was just an all-time crazy shot from Kawhi Leonard away from making a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. Along the way, he averaged 18.1 points, 2.7 assists, and shot 39.7% from three-point range.

It seemed like somewhat of a surprise move for Redick to sign on with the Pelicans after having so much success with the 76ers over the last two seasons. His two-year, $26.5 million deal this July gave the Pelicans one of the all-time great three-point shooters in the history of the game.

Simply put, he’s had a great career so far, so even if he falls off this season, no one will ask too many questions of the sharpshooter. Whatever happens with Reddick this season, his presence should have a calming effect, particularly on such a young roster.

Redick is one of the first guys in this league to think about the media impact he can have while still playing the game. He hosts The JJ Redick Podcast at The Ringer, so he could have a huge impact on someone like Zion, a player who may have a lot of multimedia opportunities as he progresses through his career.

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