“Role Players Like Me, Wouldn’t Have Jobs”: JJ Redick Credits These 3 NBA Legends for Changing the Landscape

Touted as one of the richest sporting leagues in the world, the NBA hit the jackpot last season, making a staggering $10 billion in revenue. One of the fastest growing sports today, the pro basketball league enjoys a global fan following, setting the cash registers ringing with ticket and merchandise sales, along with their deals with respective broadcasters.

However, this wasn’t the case back in the day, when an NBA player had to do odd jobs on the side too. Legends of the game, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, are prime examples of this. Fortunately, things would change towards the late 80s with the advent of icons like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, who changed the landscape forever.

During a recent episode of his podcast, The Old Man & the Three, former NBA player JJ Redick addressed how we ought to credit the likes of Bird, Magic, and MJ for making the league and its members financially comfortable.

Also read: Magic Johnson, Not Michael Jordan, Was the Reason Isiah Thomas Didn’t Make the ‘Dream Team’ According to a 4x NBA Champ

JJ even admitted hadn’t it been for the above stalwarts, role players like him would be without a job.

JJ Redick reveals 3 NBA players with the greatest impact.

During a candid segment with Patrick Beverley on his podcast, JJ would pay tribute to the greats of the game, saying the following.

“Who we should really thank Magic, Larry, and Michael. In the 80s, there were Finals games on tape delay like it wasn’t till those guys came along, David Stern, of course, drove this as well, highlighting the superstar, making it a superstar league.”

The former Duke played added,

“I’m grateful to every star player because players like me, the role player, we wouldn’t have the jobs or the funds that we do without star players.”

JJ’s words speak volumes, given it was the likes of Bird, Magic, and MJ who bought the glitz and glamor to the league, making it a highly investible business.

Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan opened more floodgates for the NBA.

MNCs like McDonald’s, Gatorade, Converse, and Nike now considered the NBA a viable option for investment purposes. Soon the likes of Bird and Magic began appearing in commercials of big brands as well as making it to the hoardings.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t until His Airness arrived that the NBA became a global sport. The Bulls legend was a game-changer both on and off the court, becoming NBA’s first player to reach billionaire status.

Also read: “LeBron James is a mixture of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, and Bill Russell”: Pat Riley believes the Lakers superstar is in a class of his own