Vince Carter will be back in the lineup soon, and when he returns, the playing time for J.J. Redick will shrink again in a reserve role. Redick, though, has used this brief opportunity to finally prove he belongs in the NBA. And that's going to help him considerably down the road. Redick may be getting his last start Sunday when the Magic play at Oklahoma City, brimming with confidence after helping the Magic (5-1) jump to a good start in their quest to win an NBA title. In six games -- four starts -- Redick has averaged 14.7 points, three rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes. He has been consistent with good team defense and only three turnovers in six games combined.
"I think I've played well," he said. "I don't know if I was ready for this a year ago, or two years ago, but I am now. I've learned how to be ready when my chance comes."
Redick scored a career-high 27 points last week in his first start of the season after Carter left with a sprained ankle. He has reached double figure scoring in five of the six games. And he has done it within the offense that revolves around Dwight Howard.
When Carter returns, Redick will have to scramble to find playing time on the deepest team in franchise history. Yet he now has a better understanding of where he fits, and exactly what he can do.
MAGIC 110, PISTONS 103: Dwight Howard had 22 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Magic to another convincing victory. They opened with a 15-2 start and led from start to finish. Matt Barnes and Jameer Nelson each scored 18 points. Nelson added eight assists and Barnes grabbed nine rebounds. The Pistons made a late charge when Charlie Villanueva scored 22 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter but it wasn't enough.
Play Basketball Hot Streak and win prizes!
