JJ Redick Applauds Jarred Vanderbilt’s Impact in Lakers’ Win Over Suns
Jarred Vanderbilt has navigated a challenging journey with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played a pivotal role during the 2022-23 season, helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals. However, injuries have hampered his contributions over the past two years. Recently, with his health restored, Vanderbilt found himself on the periphery of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.
Vanderbilt’s Impact in Lakers’ Win Over the Suns
In a recent matchup against the Phoenix Suns, Redick made a crucial decision to include Vanderbilt in the lineup. Vanderbilt seized this opportunity, showcasing his prowess on the boards. He secured six offensive rebounds out of a total of seven, alongside contributing two steals and playing a significant role defensively.
His performance yielded a plus-minus rating of +7 in just 15 minutes of play. This impactful display helped propel the Lakers to a narrow 116-114 victory on the road. Redick acknowledged Vanderbilt’s contribution during a post-game interview, emphasizing the importance of communication within the coaching staff and with the players.
Coaching Communication and Player Readiness
- Redick noted ongoing dialogue with Vanderbilt despite his limited playing time.
- Redick stated, “When things aren’t going the way you want them to, it can often seem like communication is not there.”
- He highlighted that Vanderbilt was reassured that more opportunities would arise.
Vanderbilt reflected on his situation, stating that he was prepared for such challenges. “I kind of know how it works. It’s a long season,” he said. His mindset revolves around staying mentally prepared for whenever his number is called again.
Future Opportunities
Despite understanding that a single game doesn’t guarantee consistent playing time, Vanderbilt remains focused on his readiness. Redick will likely continue to explore ways to maximize Vanderbilt’s strengths while addressing any limitations. For now, Vanderbilt’s performance has demonstrated his value to the team.
