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The blog posts listed here do not reflect the ideas of The Bell, it's editors, advisors, or other staff, as well as anyone else in the world but me, myself, and I.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Let The Kid Play!

Anyone who's followed college basketball for the last few years knows the name J.J. Redick. The famous Duke point guard who shot balls into the hoop with pinpoint accuracy from any point on the court, the highest scorer in ACC history, and the most prolific three-point shooter in the history of college ball.

If someone wrote a "Where Are They Now?" book now, J.J. would have to be the front page. Redick was drafted 10th by the Orlando Magic two years back after his leave from Duke, and despite a back injury that kept him out of summer play, was dressed and ready to go opening day.

So where is he?

J.J. Redick is warming the bench in Orlando, a sudden contender in a weak Eastern Conference. Unwilling to take a major chance playing a kid with no pro experience and one thought to have a bad pro transition, he plays but one or two minutes a game, not given the time of day. Currently, Redick has shown to be explosive off the bench, scoring 7 points in 3 minutes last night against Memphis, and last week, scoring 10 in 8 minutes. His defense still lacks, but the intensity he brings and the spark he gives the offense could help the struggling Magic.

So why not give him more of a chance? Redick was absolutly jaw-dropping in college and can likely do the same in the NBA given more playing time. Kevin Durant is starting for the Sonics, Al Horford as well. So let J.J. play for more than 5 minutes next time Orlando. Give him a quarter or two.

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