J.J. Redick tells TMZ that he wants to keep the LA Clippers together. He also reveals his pick for MVP.
It’s no secret that a lot of big decisions will be made this summer regarding the Clippers’ future. Three members of the Clippers’ core, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick will all be free agents. Some say the team is too good to break up now, and they should stick together and go for another title run to finally bring a championship to the franchise. On the other hand, others say it’s time for them to blow it up, and think the team is in need for some major change if they want to contend in the future.
RELATED STORY: A Conversation with J.J. Redick
Either way, there’s lots of speculation on what the players should do, but not much coming directly from the players. TMZ happened to find J.J. out in Los Angeles, and tried their best to get some information out of him. Here’s how the interview, or should I say interrogation went:
"TMZ: Listen, I know you’re a free agent this summer, [with] Chris Paul, Blake Griffin. Are we gonna be able to keep the band together?J.J. Redick: [no response]TMZ: Do you love Los Angeles? Do you love Los Angeles fans?JJ: Yes.TMZ: Do you want to stay here?JJ: Yes.TMZ: Will you do everything you can to keep Chris Paul and Blake Griffin here with you?JJ: Yes.TMZ: What is the likelihood of this actually happening though?JJ: [no response]"
TMZ is infamous for trying to extract any kind of information and blowing it out of proportions. Although J.J. gave hesitant, one worded answers that may not seem convincing, it was probably in his best interest to do so. With the playoffs starting in less than a week, the last thing the Clippers need is any outside drama, or what Doc Rivers might call “clutter”.
Despite this, J.J. did admit he wants to stay in LA, and that he wants to keep the squad together. But the likelihood of this happening is the true question that needs answering. Regardless of what happens, this will be an interesting summer. In any case, this year’s playoffs will carry lots of weight.
Most Valuable Politician?
On a lighter note, TMZ also asked JJ about a potential future in politics and the question everyone seems to be asking: who should win MVP?
"TMZ: I saw you were weighing in on this second amendment debate. Future in politics after basketball?JJ: I don’t know about that.TMZ: You have some smart things to say. Handsome guy, face would look good on a poster, “vote for J.J.–”JJ: I don’t think politics are for me man, sorry.TMZ: That’s cool, one last question about voting: who’s your MVP? Westbrook or Harden?JJ: Westbrook.TMZ: Do you think this is one of the hardest MVP choices in NBA history?JJ: Yeah for sure.TMZ: But it’s definitely Westbrook?JJ: Westbrook for sure."