Three point specialist admits he was upset at leaving the team after settling in the Orlando area.
When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for JJ Reddick, they were getting a very solid starter that can improve their team.
The former Duke graduate is superb when shooting from the field and posses great range from the three-point area, which can become a big game-changing ability.
The 28 year old had clearly grown attached to the team that drafted him back in 2006, and was sad to leave the team, and the area.
Talking to SportsTalk 1040 in Orlando, it was clear that Reddick didn’t really want to leave the team.
“It’s very difficult. I came here seven years ago and I didn’t know anybody. I have wonderful friends and a wonderful support system here in Orlando.” Reddick said.
“Chelsea (Reddick’s wife) has been here for 11 years, her family lives two hours south on the Atlantic side of Florida so our roots are here in Florida.”
It is clear to see that Reddick was slightly upset with the trade, more on a personal level than playing, but it will be hard for him and his family to move over 1,000 miles away to continue to play basketball.
He was asked if he shed a tear at hearing the news.
“Oh absolutely. Getting on the plane yesterday to say goodbye to everyone, especially Jameer (Nelson) and Joe Rogowski, our strength coach, who have been here the whole time with me and even saying goodbye to Kyle, who I have grown close with this year, rookie Kyle O’Quinn, it was emotional.”
Player loyalty is a lot less common in US Sports than in British ones, so when stories like this appear, it is clear that some teams take genuine pride in the teams they play for, and the Bucks have struck gold in their quest for a player who will give 100%.
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