J.J. Redick says good-bye to Orlando
The reality is still setting in that J.J. Redick is no longer a member of the Orlando Magic.
He was with the team in Dallas yesterday and returned home after the announcement of the deal before heading off to Milwaukee this morning. It was an emotional day for both Magic fans and for Redick.
In two interviews -- with Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel and David Baumann of Sports Talk Florida -- Redick expressed his thanks and appreciation for his time in Orlando and the growth he experienced in the last seven years. Like Magic fans, Redick expressed his sadness that his time with Orlando had come to an end.
"Getting on the plane yesterday... It was emotional," @jjredick told us. He also said he shed tears after news of the trade.
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) February 22, 2013
Redick certainly shared a lot of his emotions with Magic fans on his way out. And again expressed his appreciation and all the memories.
It seemed to be a certainty that Redick would get traded from the beginning of the season considering his impending free agency. He put in a truly professional performance in averaging career highs across the board for the Magic in this rough season.
However, as Redick told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, the trade still took him by surprise and was a shock at the end of the day. By the end of the day today, he will be wearing a new uniform in a new city.
I think you can prepare yourself as much as you think you can. But when the moment comes, there’s certainly an initial shock, and I was shocked. The most difficult part was definitely saying bye to everybody, people that I’ve spent a lot of time with over the last seven years and built relationships with and built friendships with. That was difficult.
So Redick moves on. And so much the Magic. Like most Magic fans, there are nothing but well wishes for Redick as he departs. And he has nothing but well wishes for the Magic and their fans.
On his way out, Redick urged patience as Orlando rebuilds and said the team will rise again.
Redick: "I feel really bad for the fans who have to endure this rebuilding period... they'll get the team heading in the right direction."
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) February 22, 2013
"Please stay patient... better days are coming," was @jjredick's message for #Magic fans who are enduring another rebuild process.
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) February 22, 2013
Indeed, Redick will always be part of the Magic family. It will be tough to endure his loss. But Magic fans will still follow and cheer for Redick. That much is clear.
Good byes are tough.
We will do more retrospective on Redick's time in Orlando in the coming days. Until then, be sure to check out David Baumann's look back on Redick's time in Orlando through the work on his show and for Bright House Sports Network.
@LivSexyNJ @carolinaware @OMagicDaily He still in the League, hasn't been bounced yet! Dry them eyes girl...
@LivSexyNJ @carolinaware now that he'll be fighting for shots with Monta Ellis, no I guess it won't
@mindpinball @carolinaware and he will NEVER be on TV for me to tweet you two about it! This is just all around bad!!
