BREAKING NEWS: “HE IS NOTHING COMPARED TO ME” — JJ Redick Responds After Jason Kidd Compares Luka Dončić to Him
In a fiery and unexpected exchange, former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick has responded to a recent comment made by Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who compared the current Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić to Redick in terms of playing style. Redick, who is no stranger to bold opinions and taking on controversies, didn’t hold back in his response, making it clear that he believes Kidd’s comparison is far off the mark.
The tension began earlier this week when Kidd, speaking to reporters about Dončić’s skill set and potential, made a remark suggesting that the Mavericks star’s shooting prowess reminded him of JJ Redick. Kidd praised Dončić’s scoring ability and mentioned that he saw a lot of similarities in the way they both could create their own shot and excel at the perimeter. However, Redick, known for his precise shooting and high basketball IQ, took exception to the comparison, deeming it an oversimplification.
On his popular podcast, The Old Man and the Three, Redick addressed Kidd’s comments with a mix of humor and bluntness, stating, “He is nothing compared to me. Not a shot at Luka; he’s an incredible player, but we’re talking about the art of shooting, the intricacies of it. What Luka does is impressive, but it’s not what I did. Not even close.” Redick’s response has sparked a wave of discussion both online and across the basketball community, with fans and analysts weighing in on the debate.
Redick went on to break down the difference between his style of play and Dončić’s. “Luka is a player who has a unique combination of size, strength, and vision that allows him to dominate the game in ways that I never could. He’s a different type of player. But when it comes to shooting, you can’t just throw me in there with a guy who uses his body and finesse to create space. I built my career around being one of the most disciplined and precise shooters ever. The footwork, the release, the consistency—that’s what sets me apart,” Redick emphasized, pointing out that Dončić’s game, while elite, doesn’t carry the same pure shooting mechanics that he built his career around.
While Redick’s response has garnered attention for its boldness, he was careful to avoid directly criticizing Dončić. Instead, he reiterated his respect for the young star’s talents and accomplishments, acknowledging that Dončić is well on his way to becoming one of the best players in the NBA. “Luka is going to be an all-time great. I have no doubt about that,” Redick said. “But that doesn’t mean we should compare his shooting ability to mine. It’s apples and oranges.”
The debate has fueled a larger conversation about what truly defines a great shooter in the NBA. Redick’s career—spanning over 15 seasons and known for his exceptional three-point shooting—has cemented him as one of the most respected shooters in the history of the league. Meanwhile, Dončić’s game has consistently evolved, and his scoring versatility is widely celebrated, but comparisons to Redick’s shooting legacy may be premature for many fans and analysts.
As the drama unfolds, it’s clear that this exchange between Redick and Kidd will be one to watch, especially as Dončić’s career continues to rise. For now, Redick remains confident in his place as one of the NBA’s greatest shooters, while Kidd’s comments on Luka’s shooting prowess will likely be revisited by fans as Dončić’s legacy continues to grow.
