JJ Redick says he stands by NBA's response during 2020 protests

JJ Redick framed basketball as the place where he learned to see teammates and opponents first through the game.

In a clip circulating on Reddit, Redick said that by the time he reached Duke and then the NBA, he was not thinking, "I'm white, they're black." His point was direct: "Basketball - you're all equal and you can play - it's the beautiful thing about the sport."

Redick also looked back at 2020 and the NBA's public response after the killing of George Floyd. He said there "wasn't a choice" to make because supporting the protests was the right thing to do.

"Dude, I was so proud to be a part of the NBA at that time," Redick said. He acknowledged that the moment was divisive, but added, "I'll stand by what we stood for."

Redick specifically mentioned going to protests in New York City and said he does not regret it. If the same moment comes again, he believes there is still "not choice to be made."

The comments landed because Redick did not try to smooth out the tension. He separated the ideal of basketball as an equal court from the reality outside it, then made clear where he believes the league and its players were right to stand.