A handful of players have had as much of an impact on basketball history as Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba’s relentless drive, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering commitment to excellence made him a legend. But what happens when one legend clashes with another? Enter JJ Redick, the sharpshooting guard who found himself in the crosshairs of Bryant’s unyielding intensity during the 2008 Team USA tryouts.
A recent tweet from sports news outlet ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) has stirred conversation regarding a potential pre-Olympics rift between NBA legends Kobe Bryant and JJ Redick. The tweet, posted on [DATE], cites comments from Carmelo Anthony, a former teammate and close friend of Bryant.
The tweet reads: “”[Kobe] got tired of Coach K talking about JJ Redick [in Team USA tryouts]. Kob took it very, very personal… I’m like, ‘Damn why you treating the young boy like that?’ [He like], ‘Fck that motherfcker.'” —Carmelo Anthony”
"[Kobe] got tired of Coach K talking about JJ Redick [in Team USA tryouts]. Kob took it very, very personal… I'm like, 'Damn why you treating the young boy like that?' [He like], 'F*ck that motherf*cker.'"
—Carmelo Anthony 😂
(via @7PMinBrooklyn)pic.twitter.com/baZkZx953F
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 20, 2024
This excerpt suggests a tense dynamic between Bryant and Redick during a critical juncture in their respective careers
The Backstory
Mike Krzyzewski, the esteemed head coach of Team USA, had a history with Redick. Having coached him during his Duke days, Krzyzewski was effusive in his praise for the former Blue Devil. Redick, a two-time ACC Player of the Year and the 2006 National Player of the Year, had the pedigree that caught Coach K’s eye.
Kobe Bryant’s Discontent
Kobe Bryant, however, couldn’t stand Redick. The tension between them simmered during those pre-Olympic tryouts. Bryant, already a seasoned NBA veteran with three championships under his belt, took issue with Coach K’s constant accolades for Redick. It wasn’t just annoyance; it was personal. Bryant’s competitive fire blazed, and he directed it squarely at the young guard.
Bryant & JJ Redick’s Clash
During practice sessions, Bryant treated Redick like an opponent in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He denied Redick the ball, fouled him relentlessly, and ran through screens with a ferocity that left no doubt about his feelings. Anthony, who witnessed it all, wondered aloud why Bryant was treating the young boy so harshly/. The answer lay in Bryant’s unwavering commitment to excellence. He demanded the best from everyone, even during tryouts.
The Legacy
JJ Redick never made it to the Team USA Olympics roster, but he went on to have a successful NBA career. Bryant, of course, won gold at the 2008 Beijing Games and again in 2012. Their clash remains a testament to the intensity and passion that define basketball’s greatest moments.
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