JJ Redick had the perfect response to Charles Barkley’s criticism
After Charles Barkley’s wild rant about the Lakers and JJ Redick on Thursday, the first-year head coach had the perfect response.
There are few discussions less enjoyable to have than one about NBA ratings. Despite the league having just signed an enormous new media rights deal, the narratives surrounding TV ratings with the NBA cast a narrative that the league is failing in some sort of way.
Seemingly everyone associated with the league has been asked for their thoughts on the matter, including Lakers head coach JJ Redick. His response was very lengthy, involving thoughts on 3-point shooting and playstyles, but also the coverage of the league.
It was that last part that longtime TNT analyst Charles Barkley took exception to on Thursday as he went on a rant about Redick and the Lakers.
The rant dropped in the middle of the Lakers’ game against the Blazers and, naturally, Redick was not asked about it postgame. Prior to Friday’s game, though, he shared his thoughts and they were far less spirited.
“I got a random text from somebody after the game,” Redick said. “I went to look at my phone and it says something about Charles Barkley and I’m like, ‘Huh?’ But [assistant coaches] Greg [St. Jean] and Beau [Levesque] showed me. But I didn’t make it all the way all the way through the clip. I got to be honest with you. My resting heart rate is probably 64. I watched the clip. It was 64. Literally don’t care. I have other thoughts, but I don’t care.”
JJ Redick when asked about Charles Barkley’s criticism: “Literally don’t care” pic.twitter.com/z0dYSvru2p
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 4, 2025
Honestly, this perfectly sums it up. This is an incredibly pointless debate.
At the same time, Barkley proved Redick’s exact point about broadcasts not promoting the game. While a highlight reel for a game that was not the Lakers was playing, he ranted about Redick and the Lakers.
Great way to sell the product, Chuck!
Chuck and the TNT crew provide some entertainment value, but they also actively hate the game at times. Two things can be true.
Now, this is the end of me debating this topic.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.