Rookie hazing is quite common in the NBA and no youngster can escape it. Every veteran has their own rookie story, and former NBA guard JJ Redick revealed his version in an interesting podcast episode with the YouTube channel, Flagrant. Coming from Duke University, Redick was used to facing pressure, so much so that he was dubbed the “most hated current athlete in America” by Clay Travis of CBS Sports in 2006. However, after he joined the Orlando Magic, the 2006 National College Player of the Year was hilariously punished for a bad habit of his.

Redick spent 7 long years in Orlando and he learned a lot in his first few years in the NBA. Thanks to his teammates who punished Redick to get the best out of him. He was questioned, “What was your reception when you first got in the NBA?” Redick replied that things were easier in the NBA. So the host added another question, “Was there any friction with other players like, ‘Oh that’s a f****** cocky kid, I’m gonna humble him’?”

Redick hilariously replied, “Oh yeah, for sure. My teammates,” and the hosts burst into laughter. Redick elaborated, “I was late for a couple of practices, and the second time they tied me to a chair with my clothes on and shoved me in a cold shower and left me there.” 

Well, the former Magic players made sure Redick never came late to practice. Although this was a pretty harsh treatment, Redick did not care at all. This wasn’t new for him. The pressure in the NBA was easy for Redick. That is because of the unmatched hate he faced when he was with the Duke.

How did Duke’s hatred help JJ Redick to take the NBA with ease? 

The Blue Devils have produced 71 NBA players in the program’s history. Redick was one of the best of them, and the spotlight that Duke received, turned out into a nightmare for the former Clippers guard. Duke is a private institution and media coverage of them has been massive for a long time. So, one small mistake was enough to put you under severe criticism. 

“I Just Named 6 F*****g Rules”: JJ Redick Adds Dwyane Wade to Mix as He Rants About Narrative Plaguing NBA Superstars

Trending

Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV

April 27, 2024 02:44 AM EDT

Are Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd Set to Welcome New Teammate? Meet UConn’s Target 5 Star Recruit Jacy Abii

April 25, 2024 07:31 PM EDT

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Kim Mulkey Brings Out Her Motherly Instincts and Looks Out for Angel Reese’s Safety Against Chicago Sky Coach Teresa Weatherspoon

April 27, 2024 11:45 AM EDT

Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets

April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Along with being dubbed as the “most hated current athlete in America,” Redick used to receive 50 to 75 hate calls every day from opposing fans. He was targeted so much that even his family members had to endure harassment. The hatred grew so much that he almost quit basketball in his sophomore year. That ordeal prepared him for the NBA.

Redick shared, “The reason I say it was easier though is because the Duke experience, it was just the scrutiny or hatred, whatever you want to call it, and playing for the Duke and the intensity of the day.” College basketball was not an easy boat to sail for Redick. However, the pressure that he faced in the NCAA was useful later in his NBA career. 

JJ Redick Identifies OKC Thunder’s X-Factor, Despite Lacking Playoff Experience: “Motherf**Ker Has a Counter for Everything”