JJ Redick
He transformed from college basketball's most polarizing sharpshooter into a savvy NBA veteran and now a high-profile voice and coach for the modern game.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Podcast·Birthday: June 24·Millennials
Biography
JJ Redick's narrative is one of evolution and intellect. At Duke University, he was the archetypal college villain for opposing fans—a baby-faced assassin whose limitless range and free-throw precision broke records and hearts, earning him National Player of the Year honors. The transition to the NBA was rocky, with doubts about his defense and athleticism. But Redick, with a work ethic as sharp as his jumper, reinvented himself. He became the quintessential floor-spacing specialist, a vital cog for contending teams in Orlando, LA (Clippers), and Philadelphia. His career was a masterclass in adaptation. Off the court, he built a second act as an incisive podcast host and analyst, his articulate breakdowns making him a respected media figure. This very perspective led him to the ultimate challenge in 2024: becoming head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, tasked with translating his deep understanding of the game from the microphone to the sidelines.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
JJ was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When JJ Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
JJ's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) all-time scoring record with 2,769 points at Duke.
- Maintained a career free-throw percentage of over 89%, one of the best in NBA history.
- Played in 15 NBA seasons, appearing in over 940 games and making the playoffs 13 times.
- Named the 2024 head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers without prior professional coaching experience.
Did You Know?
He hosts one of basketball's most popular podcasts, 'The Old Man and the Three.'
Redick was a standout high school baseball pitcher in Virginia before focusing solely on basketball.
He wrote a long-form weekly column for The Players' Tribune during his playing career.
“I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.”
