JJ Redick praised Lakers newcomer Sandro Mamukelashvili's offensive fit and revealed an early conversation about overthinking, while calling Luka Doncic "not a normal human being" on the court but refreshingly low-key off it.
Credit AP, ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has opened up about an early conversation with team newcomer Sandro Mamukelashvili.
'Mamu' joined Los Angeles this summer on a four-year, $52 million deal after a career-best season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
"Sandro and I had a conversation about being an overthinker because I can really relate to that," Redick told reporters on Saturday.
"He's been really good on the offensive end in all three [preseason] games," the coach added. "We've seen who we thought he was in games, in terms of being a versatile player, being able to make secondary reads and secondary actions, connect the offense, and then be dynamic in transition."
The Georgian forward-center has averaged 14.0 points and 3.7 assists through three preseason appearances while shooting 57.1% from the field.
While pleased with Mamukelashvili's offensive impact, Redick said the Lakers are still determining how best to use him defensively.
"We still have to figure out what the best defensive schemes are for him," Redick said. "That'll take time. We had those early practices, and then we were installing. We haven't gotten to that yet."
Redick on Doncic: 'He's not a normal human being'
The media availability eventually turned to Luka Doncic and whether one of the NBA's biggest stars carries himself like a superstar behind the scenes.
Redick, who briefly played with Luka in Dallas, said the Slovenian guard is extraordinary on the court but an ordinary person off it.
"I've played with him, and I think I've made the comment a couple of times about how he's not normal," Redick said. "To be clear, he's not a normal human being."
Off the floor, however, Redick described Doncic much differently.
"But in terms of being a superstar, he's just normal off the court," the 42-year-old coach continued. "He's very low-key and fun to be around. He likes what he likes, and just kind of lives his life. He doesn't necessarily chase things. It's refreshing."
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