The New York Knicks have embraced the youth movement in recent weeks of the NBA season. Julius Randle is the only player in the rotation that is older than 26 years old as the youngsters are getting minutes and making the most of the opportunities.
This is exactly what many fans wanted to see after the team was reluctant to include the younger players in a trade package for Donovan Mitchell. Alas, there are still a few people that are disappointed that one of the young players not in the mix is Cam Reddish.
Reddish was acquired by the Knicks from the Atlanta Hawks last season. Part of the reason he was looking for a trade from Atlanta was that he sought a larger role elsewhere. That has not come to fruition during his time in New York City.
Minutes were hard to come by last season until injuries hit the rotation. Right as Reddish was finding his groove, he suffered a season-ending injury of his own. This season, he was part of the rotation right out of the gate as injuries occurred again.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cam Reddish, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft responded well. Reddish showcased some of the potential that made him such a popular prospect, especially on the defensive end. He is long enough to handle wings and some frontcourt players and athletic enough to stay in front of guards on the perimeter.
That kind of skill set is something that would normally endear a player to head coach Tom Thibodeau, but something has seemingly been off ever since Reddish arrived in town. His inconsistent motor could have played a part as Reddish hasn’t gotten on the court since December 3rd.
Even with RJ Barrett injured, Thibodeau has opted to turn to Evan Fournier off the bench. It is a peculiar move, especially given Fournier’s lack of impact defensively. Could part of the reason that Reddish isn’t in the rotation be that the Knicks are looking to trade him? According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, New York has lowered their asking price for Reddish.
“The Knicks are willing to part with Reddish for two second-round picks, league sources told HoopsHype. The Lakers, Bucks, and other teams have inquired about the asking price for Reddish, who was shooting a career-high 44.9 percent from the field before being benched, HoopsHype has learned.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cam Reddish, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Reddish was one of the few Knicks players capable of getting into the paint and finishing around the rim. It was something they were lacking, and in addition to his capabilities on defense, it was odd he couldn’t find minutes.
Landing with the Los Angeles Lakers is something Reddish should be pushing for as it would lead to the most consistent minutes of his young career. Playing off of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook should make the game come easier for him.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cam Reddish, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Milwaukee Bucks saw firsthand what Reddish was capable of during his appearance in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. Reddish was outstanding in four games, averaging 12.8 points on a .528/.643/.800 shooting split, grabbing 3.5 rebounds with 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
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