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Retired NBA sharpshooter wishes he would’ve gotten Knicks experience

ByJordanna Clark|
Apr 30, 2023; New York, New York, USA; General view during the national anthem before game one of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2023; New York, New York, USA; General view during the national anthem before game one of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve dreamed about what it would be like to play for the New York Knicks. Maybe you’ve even dreamed about what it would be like to lead the Knicks to an NBA championship for the first time since 1973. You’re not alone.

Madison Square Garden is often non-Knicks players’ favorite place to play, and no, it doesn’t always mean they want to play for New York, unless your name is Donovan Mitchell. It’s called “The World’s Most Famous Arena” for a reason.

Each time that JJ Redick stepped onto the court at MSG to play, he did so as a visitor. The now ESPN analyst played for six teams during his 15 seasons in the league: Magic, Bucks, Clippers, Sixers, Pelicans, and Mavericks.

He learned what it was like to play in New York as a hated rival when he was with Philadelphia from 2017-19, but he’s wondered what it would’ve been like to put on a Knicks jersey and represent the city. Redick’s gotten to live through his former teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, and he admitted he’s jealous of them both, especially Hart.

JJ Redick admits he’s jealous of Knicks duo Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart

JJ Redick lives in Brooklyn, so calling New York home and witnessing the Knicks’ rise this past season likely has something to do with him thinking about what it would have been like to play for the storied franchise. He never had the opportunity to play for New York, so it’s not as if he feels regret.

He played (and lived) with Hart in New Orleans for one and a half seasons before finishing his career in Dallas with Brunson. Redick has spoken highly about his former teammates and the Knicks on his podcast, “The Old Man and the Three.”

Quentin Grimes spent some time with Redick this summer, and the young guard raved about the experience.

"“It was probably the best two days I’ve had all summer. A 15-year NBA veteran. Seen it all, done it all, played on multiple teams,” Grimes said. “Played in the playoffs, played in big games. So just talking to him, at the gym, at his house. Going to dinner with him with his family. I couldn’t ask for a better two days, honestly.”"

Redick keeps a busy schedule, but when he’s not working, expect to see him at the Garden several times this season. He might spend some of that time daydreaming about what it would be like to hit a game-winning three for the Knicks, but who hasn’t?

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