J.J. Redick expresses gratitude in signing with Philadelphia 76ers

The signing of free agent shooting guard J.J. Redick represents the next step in the evolution of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Considering the success J.J. Redick has experienced over his career, the sentiments he expressed at his recent introductory press conference are a testament to the growth of the Philadelphia 76ers franchise.

A stellar career at Duke, a trip to the 2009 NBA Finals as a member of the Orlando Magic and most recently, five consecutive 50-win seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers are just some of his accomplishments.

So to hear Redick describe how grateful and excited he was to be joining the Sixers franchise is a credit to all involved, from the coaching staff up to the front office. Having compiled a 75-253 record over the last four seasons, attracting a player of Redick’s credentials may seem surprising.

But Redick couldn’t have been happier when addressing the media on his signing:

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"“The spirit of the Sixers has never been broken. That speaks volumes to Coach Brown….He is someone I have watched and I’ve wanted to play for….I’m thrilled to be playing for him next year. For me personally, that was the biggest thing…..I thought it was the best fit. When the trade [with the Boston Celtics for the first overall draft pick] happened around the draft, it just really solidified my feeling about where I wanted to be.”"

Clearly, signing a one-year, $23 million deal is going to make any veteran excited about his surroundings. But it was evident immediately that money wasn’t the deciding factor. As astute as any player in the league, Redick foresees an amazing opportunity in Philadelphia:

"“I really believe this is a team that over the next three or four years will become the best team in the East. I hope I’m sort of part of that rise just beyond this year because I think we can be a playoff team and I think in the next two or three years we can contend for conference championships and hopefully at some point NBA championships.”"

In some, the Redick signing is reminiscent of Andre Iguodola requesting a trade to the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2013. Sensing the Warriors were on the verge of something special, Iguodola signed as a free agent that offseason with the Warriors.

After getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs in his first season, the Warriors installed Steve Kerr as their head coach. The rest, as they say, is history.

Redick teaming up with the Sixers certainly has a similar feel. Although not as advanced as the Warriors when Iguodola joined, the Sixers are undoubtedly on the verge of something special.

Having won just 10 games for the entire 2015-16 season, the Sixers posted a 10-5 record last January alone. This was of course primarily due to overpowering presence of rookie Joel Embiid, whose impact was pronounced despite completing just 31 games.

Now with the introduction of the No. 1 overall pick from both the last two drafts in Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, the sky is truly is the limit as to what the Sixers can accomplish this season and beyond.

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No one is more aware of this than Redick, the deadly long range marksman, whose leadership and elite shooting will be pivotal in the Sixers reaching their desired place.