Published 01/22/2023, 11:45 AM EST
Michael Jordan is one of the most experienced sportspersons in the world—not just as a player, but also as a team manager/owner. 23XI Racing might not have been a failure, but it has bucked the trend a little bit. But MJ and Denny Hamlin have a plan—and that includes a new partner for their star driver, Bubba Wallace.
Tyler Reddick looks like an innocent young teenager. But NASCAR teams and drivers have learned over the years to not be fooled by his looks. His brilliant performances in the Xfinity Series brought him to 23XI Racing to partner with Bubba Wallace.
Tyler Reddick’s second dream
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As the team and both drivers prepare for the start of the season, they released a fun video in collaboration with Charlotte Hornets on Twitter. Reddick was asked, “Another sport you could go pro in?”
“Yeah, I got to go to basketball,” he answered without a speck of doubt. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch practice today and it’s just… every sport is a team sport but you know, all five guys are on the court. Like each role is very important.”
He further explained his love for the sport: “You lose one guy for one split-second, not being 100% focused, and it changes the whole aspect of that possession. So… basketball’s a lot of fun to watch. I enjoy coming home; watching games. Getting up close and behind the scenes today has been really cool too.”
It must’ve been a really enriching experience for the young man to shadow someone as good as Kelly Oubre Jr and the Charlotte Hornets.
Could Bubba Wallace have a partner from the Hornets?
2023 is going to be a pivotal season for 23XI Racing as a team. But more than that, it’s a season that carries a lot of importance for Wallace as a driver. He will be partnering with 2 new drivers in 2023, which adds to the difficulty.
MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 29: Bubba Wallace (#45 23XI Racing Leidos Toyota) watches the action from pit road during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Xfinity 500 on October 29, 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Will he have another driving partner joining him? The Hornets’ forward hinted he would love to try racing.
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Oubre Jr said, “Imma go with racing. I love racing. I love the details. I love the zenfulness of it. Like you really have to be calm in your mind when you’re behind a car, or whatever, you’re racing. And it’s less hard than people think because, like, they’re just scared of the worst-case scenario.
“But these guys are professionals. They do what they do so that the worst-case scenario is the safest possible thing that can happen. So big salute to you guys.”
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Oubre Jr’s statement was more in admiration than anything. So it’s unlikely he will make the switch. But if he does, it’s likely Bubba wouldn’t be too happy.