New Orleans Pelicans: End of the season review for the guards

New Orleans Pelicans: Grading how JJ Redick did

JJ Redick’s stint for the New Orleans Pelicans ultimately ended in ignominy.

The Duke sharpshooter played in 31 games for the Pelicans to start the season before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline in a package involving James Johnson and Wes Iwundu.

While in New Orleans, though, Redick was disappointing and his exit has become somewhat controversial. I personally don’t blame Redick for seeking an exit given the franchise’s disappointing past, as well as his personal situation, but I do think that the on-court situation was becoming untenable.

At 36-years-old, I believe it is fair to say that Redick’s best years in the NBA are behind him. This was very apparent this season, as Redick really struggled to make any tangible difference on either end of the floor for New Orleans. His three-pointer was ice cold—he eventually closed out his Pels run making 36 percent of his threes, his worst figure since the 2012-13 season—and his defense was nonexistent.

Ultimately, it became evident that Redick could hold back the development of other pieces like Kira Lewis Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. While Redick has been decent in a very tiny role for Dallas, I think that the New Orleans Pelicans confidently won this trade, even if just because of James Johnson.