The New York Knicks acquired Cam Reddish last season, but he never had an opportunity to shine. So how does he fit on this Knicks roster?
As we pour out the last of our champagne to celebrate the RJ Barrett extension—the first contract extension by a Knicks first-round draft pick since Charlie Ward’s in 1999—we must begin to turn our attention to another important decision the organization has to make soon: What will they do with Cam Reddish?
The 10th pick in the 2019 draft, Reddish requested a trade from the Atlanta Hawks mid-last season in search of a destination that could offer him more playing time. The Knicks then swooped in and swapped him for a measly Kevin Knox and a protected first, but seemingly had very few plans beyond that.
In 15 games (0 starts), Cam Reddish averaged 14.3 minutes, 6.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks on .415/.258/.906 shooting splits. As New York’s only acquisition before a highly anticipated trade deadline, their fans expected to see Reddish be part of the rotation. Instead, Coach Thibodeau hesitated to play him even when the team needed a boost off the bench.
After some games of spot minutes and some DNPs here and there, Reddish began to see the floor more consistently. In a blowout versus the Clippers, he played 25 minutes (his most with the Knicks) and scored 17 points on efficient shooting. Unfortunately, just two games later, a shoulder injury shut him down for the final 17 games of the season.
On September 28, Cam Reddish spoke to the media at training camp to answer questions about his injury, his offseason, and his role on the Knicks.
He provided a positive update on his injury. “I’m actually 100 percent healthy, available, committed, and I’m just looking forward to getting started,” he said. He spent the summer rehabbing his shoulder and getting back into game shape.
One media person asked him about how frustrating his injury was, considering it happened just as he started playing well. “Man, that’s just life,” he said.” It was frustrating at the time…it was a tough time but I’m back now and just ready to get started.”
Cam Reddish was just as surprised about the news that he requested a trade from the Knicks as the rest of us. The rumors began swirling on his birthday—September 1st—while he was doing some lifting; not the best birthday present. “It’s not fair, you feel me? But it’s all good. I understand how it go.” At the very least, this allowed Reddish to reaffirm his commitment to the Knicks when he cleared the air on Instagram.
When asked about what he worked on this offseason, Reddish mentioned shot-creation as the primary focus. “Mainly my handles in general, shooting from all over the floor, mid-range, three-pointers, off the dribble threes.” Interestingly, Reddish said of off-the-dribble threes: “I don’t want to say it’s emphasized here but it’s more here than where I was previously.” Whereas Atlanta has a more structured offensive scheme, it seems like Thibs allows his players more freedom on offense, for better or for worse.
When it comes to defense, Reddish is confident in his ability and knows how important that end of the floor is on this team. “Defensively, that’s just effort and grit, so I know I got that…I can score, I’m not really too worried about that. I can make plays. But just having a defensive presence is big time.”
At 6’8” with a 7’1 wingspan, Reddish provides the Knicks with something they don’t have much of: defensive versatility. He has the size, length, and quickness to match up with the best wings and forwards in the league, such as Paul George, Jayston Tatum, and Kevin Durant, and with him on the floor, Thibs can enable more switching in the defensive scheme. For reference, BBall Index graded Reddish an ‘A’ for his perimeter defense last season.
If the Knicks needed to get one stop at a crucial moment in a game, a Deuce McBride-Quentin Grimes-RJ Barrett-Cam Reddish-Mitchell Robinson lineup seems to be the best bet.
As expected, the media asked him about his role so far on the Knicks, or lack thereof. COVID and injuries, in addition to Thibs’ hardheadedness, contributed to the instability. But Reddish ensured that didn’t faze him. One media person asked him if it’s clear what he needs to do to be part of the rotation.
“I’m still figuring that out,” said Reddish. “That’s actually a really good question. I’m still figuring that out, trying to find my role and where I fit in but, honestly, I’m just really willing to do whatever it takes to win. Whatever that role is, whatever that may be, it’s fine with me. [When] we win, we all look good.”
In the Knicks’ first preseason game against the Detroit (check out the recap and player ratings by KFTV’s Remi Se), Reddish had an opportunity to join the main 10-man rotation since Quentin Grimes was out with a sore foot. He entered the game in the first quarter and hit a three thirty seconds later. We also got a glimpse of a Barrett-Reddish wing duo Ian Begley hinted at during one successful fastbreak led by those two.
In the second quarter, he cooled off and fell into the habit of taking tough shots, probably eager to show the scoring punch he could provide for the team. But he did give the Knicks good defensive energy in his 11 minutes before exiting the game with a sprained ankle. Thankfully, he is available for tonight’s game.
At full strength, the Knicks have 13 players worthy of minutes on their roster: the projected 10-man rotation plus Reddish, McBride, and Jericho Sims. If Thibs were a coach adept at using his depth, like Coach Ty Lue for the Clippers, Reddish would see the floor whenever the Knicks played a team with multiple offensive stars at the wing/forward position.
Instead, Thibs has chosen to run his rotations like the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats (that college team that almost went undefeated with Devin Booker on the bench), so as long as Evan Fournier is still a Knick and the first ten are healthy, playing time will be scarce.
Still, Reddish feels “blessed” to be a New York Knick and won’t stop fighting for a spot. “It’s competition. Who doesn’t love competition? I’m really not worried. I’m good.”
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out the latest Knicks Weekly, where Tommy Beer joins CP and Alex to discuss season expectations!
