JJ Redick is widely viewed as one of the brightest NBA minds around the league.
Prior to earning his first head coaching opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers, the former sharpshooter proved to be one of the smartest basketball minds between his role as an NBA Analyst and his former podcast The Old Man and The Three.
Dating back to his playing days, where he proved to be one of the most valuable marksmen in the league between his time with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers, Redick has become a well-respected voice across the NBA.
All that to say, the opinion of Redick speaks volumes to many around the league, especially when it comes to the evaluation of other teams and young players around the league.
Looking at his recent comments about the Washington Wizards, it's clear the team is heading in the right direction.
JJ Redick praises Wizards young core
Over the weekend, the Lakers handed the Wizards one of the worst losses of the season with a final score of 142-111 at home.
Obviously, the final score isn't one to be proud of, but for a team that clearly has their sights set on the NBA Draft Lottery at this point of the season, adding another loss to their record isn't the worst thing in the world.
Especially considering the development of the young players on the roster is the main focus of the team as the regular season continues.
Nonetheless, while the blowout loss to the visiting Lakers may have been discouraging to some, the words of the team's head coach should gives fans every reason to be confident about what general manager Will Dawkins and President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger are building in D.C.
Prior to the matchup against the Wizards, Redick made it clear what he's seen from Washington's young group throughout the season, specifically siting the growth of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and even Bub Carrington for "coming into their own."
“I would describe all of their players as aggressive," Redick said. "You can see the growth from their second-year guys.”
It's clear that the development of Sarr and George have been a talking point for the Wizards this season, especially as the two rising stars continue to add optimism for the direction Washington's heading in.
However, for an outsider like Redick to give somewhat of a stamp of approval on the Wizards' young players makes it clear that what Washington's front office is building in the DMV should excite fans.