If you know me, you know that Michael Redd is one of my favorite players to ever play basketball. As a youngster growing up in Columbus, Ohio I wanted to be Michael Redd, but my metabolism didn’t let me flourish.
Today, Michael Redd will announce his retirement from the NBA. Redd has not played since the 2011-2012 (Phoenix Suns) season turned down a recent camp invite. The former Ohio State Buckeye will be most remembered for his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Being from Columbus, Ohio, I’ve watched Michael Redd since his high school days at West High school. I think anyone can agree that Redd’s work ethic something that set him apart from his peers. At Ohio State Redd was more of a slasher, and had limited range. Despite his shooting discrepancies Redd was a lights out scorer scoring more than 1,700 points in only three seasons. In 1999 Michael Redd and Scoonie Penn led the Buckeyes to the final four, and eventually lost to the champion UCONN Huskies.
After forgoing his senior year, Redd was drafted No.43 in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. It was crazy to see Redd fall so low in the draft, but he had the last laugh out of those where selected before him, and is arguably the best player out of that draft class. Redd’s career averages were 20PPG 4rebs, and 2 assists. Redd finished his career with 11,554 points finishing 4th in Milwaukee Bucks team history.
After being an important role player for the Bucks, and learning under Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, and Glenn Robinson. Redd became the face of the franchise in the 2003-2004 season.
During the mid to late 2000’s there were only a handful of shooting guards who could score like Redd. Prior to injuring his knees Redd averaged over 21.0ppg from the 2003-2004 season up until the 2008-2009 season.
During that time frame Redd made one All-Star game (2003-2004 season), and was a Gold Medalist on the 2008 Olympic team that brought the USA their first gold medal since the year 2000.
During Redd’s playing days he was a true class act, and a great teammate. Michael Redd will be truly missed, and fans will miss the smooth lefty out of Columbus, Ohio.
Here is a highlight video of Redd showing his best highlights during his career!
