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At 34, Sixers’ JJ Redick is more than just a mentor to young players: ‘Guys flock to him because the type of person he is’

Any time a successful, experienced, and respected professional athlete joins a new team, they will no doubt hear a number of clichés attached to their name, like veteran voice in the locker room and mentor to the young players and, of course, team leader.

When the Sixers held their annual media day in 2017 shortly after Redick signed with the team, the familiar phrases started to pop up and Redick did his best to shy away from them. The idea that he could be a newcomer and also be some sort of mentor to teammates with whom he hadn't even played was not one that he was going to admit.