2. J.J. Redick (2006)
- Pick: 11th
- Orlando seasons: 7 (2006-2013)
- Orlando averages: 396 games, 21.9 minutes, 9.2 points, 1.9 assists, 1.8 rebounds, 0.4 steals, 1.4 3-pointers made
- Orlando slash line: .432/.398/.878
- Picked before: Rajon Rondo (21), Kyle Lowry (24)
During his second season, Redick and his agent inquired about a potential trade as he was getting consistent DNPs as the third-string shooting guard. His problems on defense kept him out of the rotation.
The former Duke star’s defensive struggles as a young player in Orlando weren’t shocking. He couldn’t guard in college. Redick was playing on a win-now team, so head coach Stan Van Gundy couldn’t trust him on the court in high-pressure situations.
The offense ran through him in college, but in the NBA, he’d need to create space for himself to get his own shot. As Redick gained more experience, he became one of the best players in the league at moving without the ball. The former Blue Devil was always in motion, wearing defenders out, and becoming a welcome addition when Dwight Howard was double-teamed.
Y! Sources: The Orlando Magic trades J.J. Redick to the Milwaukee Bucks in a multi-player deal. http://t.co/DeTexbPKmf
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2013
Unfortunately, by the time he hit his stride, Orlando was ready to move off him and rebuild. Redick was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Tobias Harris, who was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Brandon Jennings.
Redick’s come a long way from the guy who couldn’t guard his own shadow. He’s ninth all-time in Magic franchise history in 3-pointers made. He played on the Lob City LA Clippers. Among active players, he’s second in career free-throw percentage and seventh in 3-point percentage.
Redick had his best seasons with other teams, but the Magic undoubtedly made the right call with J.J., and you can’t say that about many of their picks.