Hornets To Interview JJ Redick For Coaching Vacancy

The Charlotte Hornets intend to interview former NBA guard JJ Redick for their head-coaching vacancy, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Redick, 39, played 15 NBA seasons before becoming an analyst at ESPN upon retiring in 2021. He began as a studio analyst and now serves as an in-game analyst for ESPN’s top broadcast team, along with Mike Breen and Doris Burke. Interestingly, Redick replaced Doc Rivers, who left midseason to become coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Redick also has North Carolina ties, having starred at Duke before his lengthy NBA career.

He’s also been linked to several other openings over the past few seasons, interviewing for the Toronto Raptors’ vacancy last summer.

The No. 11 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 2006, Redick spent his first seven seasons with with the franchise. He also spent time with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Bucks, as well as the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks in his final season.

He retired with career averages of 12.8 points and 42 percent shooting on threes.

The Hornets are seeking a coach after Steve Clifford resigned and moved to the front office following the season.

“This is the appropriate time for me to step down,” Clifford said in a statement released by the team. “I believe this is best for me and the organization. I’m excited about the future of the Hornets — our young core of players, (GM Jeff Petersen‘s) leadership of our basketball operations and (team owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin‘s) vision for the organization.”

Peterson was brought in from the Nets in February, when he replaced former Charlotte GM Mitch Kupchak. 

Charlotte reportedly already interviewed Bucks assistant Charles Lee, ex-Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young former Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, and Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman, the son of former NBA coach Rick Adelman.

Fernandez, however, reportedly will become the new coach of the Brooklyn Nets, while Young is leaving the Suns to become head coach at BYU.

Sources have told Hoops Wire the Hornets may also have an interest in former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer and ex-Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts.