Former NBA legend Steve Nash and his foundation recently completed its 10th annual which bring stars from the NBA world and professional soccer world together for a great cause - raising funds for critical needs services for kids.

Before the game kicked off, I had a chance to catch up with new Philadelphia 76ers guard JJ Redick as we talked about the San Antonio Spurs postseason, Tony Parker, Zaza Pachulia's controversial play on Kawhi Leonard and more.

Jeff: JJ is this your first time out here at the Steve Nash soccer “Showdown”?

JJ: It is. I’ve teased (Steve) Nash for years to invite me. I finally got the invite this year and I’m not really sure how I got the e-mail but it happened!

Jeff: You’re going to tear up the field aren’t you?

JJ: (Laughs) I’ve been compared to Messi before. I actually like to fashion my game more to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jeff: Your thoughts on the San Antonio Spurs playoff run. If Kawhi Leonard doesn’t get hurt, is it a different series versus Golden State?

JJ: It’s a different series. I’m not going to make a prediction like they would have won or not. There’s a lot of “what ifs” in sports but it would have been a different series. I still thought it was a competitive series. The Spurs just couldn’t find a way to win a game.

Jeff: What about that controversial play with Zaza (Pachulia) stepping his foot under Kawhi Leonard? What are your thoughts?

JJ: Well, as a guy who is a shooter, that’s happened to me before. It’s a tough break and I have had to miss games before because of it.

It’s funny because I’ve gotten now used to, when I shoot the ball, and somebody comes underneath me, I’ll actually spread my legs out so they don’t hit me. It’s an unnatural motion and referees sometimes don’t give me the call but I tell them ‘If I don’t spread my legs out, I’m going to sprain my ankle’.

So you have to somehow figure a way out to protect yourself. Sometimes if it’s late, like I thought the Zaza slide underneath was a little late, there’s nothing you can really do.

Jeff: Your thoughts on the injury to Tony Parker? You’ve played against him, you’ve had battles against him, what are your thoughts?

JJ: I have so much respect for Tony. He’s a champion. He’s one of the all-time greats. He’s somebody I’ve had the pleasure of battling against for years. I hate to see anybody get hurt. I wish him the best in his recovery.

As mentioned, Redick recently signed a new deal with the Sixers, pairing him with their young star Joel Embiid.



