Team JJ: A Female’s Plea To Save Redick

As all Magic fans continue to waiver and wonder if J.J. Redick will return next season, I decided to revisit a post that was originally written on MagicBasketballOnline at the conclusion of last season.   At the time, most of the blogosphere had taken to the annual passage of grading and reviewing the previous season’s team and players.  I decided to take a different angle at this yearly yardstick and present an outside, female opinion of a specific player, J.J. Redick. 

As a white male, average height, whose main basketball skill is hitting jump shots, it doesn’t take much to realize why I so quickly became attached to the game of Redick.  I think this assumption can safely be made for a large sector of J.J. fans across the Magic Nation.  While I know why I am so engrossed in his game, I wasn’t completely sure what most Magic females saw in J.J. that drew them to scream and cheer so loudly.  I decided to borrow the journalism talents of a good friend of mine, Brittany, who I know has a strong Team JJ obsession and tasked her to write her feelings on the subject of J.J. Redick and why even after his strong performance this year, not everyone is showing him love.  The following is the outcome:

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Team JJ

Recently I’ve taken notice that among the Magic faithful (and fair-weather) fans, the name “J.J. Redick” always seems to bring up some sort of negative jab at number seven.  Feeling as though I constantly must defend my favorite player, I’ve started asking myself, “Why so much animosity toward the 6’ 4”, 190 lbs, raven-haired god, I mean, guard?”…And every time I ponder the question, all I can think of are the many reasons one should adore Jonathan Clay Redick.

Read the remainder of Team JJ: A Female’s Plea to Save Redick by clicking “continue reading” below…

I will admit that before I even saw Redick touch a basketball, I was tempted to touch him. Who can resist that sweet, devious smile and killer bone structure? Have you noticed his perfectly messy hair? What about that lean, muscular body that looks like it would be heaven to cuddle with? Be honest with yourself, whether you’re female or male, gay or straight, Redick is one handsome Devil. And sure, I would agree his dashing good looks shouldn’t be the only factor in deciding to join Team JJ …but they sure don’t hurt the cause.

Get past the charming, beautiful boy-man exterior and what do you have left? A fantastic team player: Redick is always ready to jump in and play like a champ and in this season, especially, he has proved multiple times to be a valuable asset to the team.  Perhaps you remember the Vince Carter toe-stubbing incident on March 28, 2010, which occurred less than two minutes into a home game against the Denver Nuggets. With Mickael Pietrus already nursing an injury and Carter rendered unable to play the rest of the night, Redick stepped in and stepped up big. Playing more minutes than any other player (46:25 to be exact), he led the team to a 103-97 victory and suddenly, the haters were temporarily silenced. Yes, this is a singular incidence, but it only adds to the many times Redick has entered mid-game and knocked out much needed three-pointers or game-switching assists.  Although the Magic were unable to beat the Boston Whiners in the playoffs, it was J.J. that stepped up huge when it mattered most, with “superstar” Vince sitting idle on the sidelines.

These days, salaries for professional athletes are out of control.  While many choose to spend their monetary gains on frivolous luxuries, Redick chooses to give back. And aside from making countless donations to the Children’s Miracle Network, he has also visited children in hospitals on multiple occasions, hosted a charity poker tournament, and helped raise support for the CMN…If that doesn’t melt your heart and make you want to run straight into his strong arms, I really don’t know what would.

So the next time you’re involved in a Magic-related discussion and someone speaks ill of the talented, caring, gorgeous J.J., I hope you’ll put them in their place. Share your knowledge of this beautiful man with those you meet. Spread the number seven love. While you may not be as obsessed enthusiastic as yours truly, surely you must admit that being a J.J. hater is simply Redick-ulous.  Team JJ for life. <3

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As you can see, the female opinion is strong.  There are a lot of passionate adjectives in those words and more importantly, lots of ticket sales and merchandising opportunities.  As the female audience continues to debate the “cuddle worthiness” of J.J., the Magic brass face a difficult decision in the next few days.  Do they re-sign the restricted free agent Redick or let him walk to Chicago and melt hearts in the Windy City.  Redick quite possibly may be the Magic’s second most popular player to Dwight Howard and as you can see from above, is definitely loved by the ladies.  The Magic may face a difficult financial decision as to match Chicago’s frontloaded three-year, $19 million offer sheet or to let him walk.  As the team is already well over the salary crap, this means serious luxury tax penalties.  The question now becomes, is Otis Smith and the Magic front office really willing to throw away the female vote over a few million dollars?  I just hope Otis keeps one thing in mind,  LL Cool JJ.  Ladies Love Cool JJ.

Brian Serra is a contributing blogger at Howard the Dunk and the founder of MagicBasketballOnline.com.  You can follow/add him on Twitter and on Facebook.