During the New York Knicks opening night to the 2022-23 season against the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, Cam Reddish checked into the game for RJ Barrett with 3:04 minutes left in the first quarter. Reddish had a noticeably determined and focused look on his face early as he immediately blocked David Roddy’s layup upon entry into the game. Reddish rebounded a missed Tyus Jones floater then got the ball stolen away by Tyus Jones on the other end. The Grizzlies backup point guard and former Duke player Tyus Jones converted on the steal from Reddish with a layup. However, Reddish immediately on the next possession redeemed himself with a three point jumper off a Julius Randle assist. Reddish went on to nail another three pointer with 1:00 left in the first quarter off a Derrick Rose assist. After the early sequence of events, it seemed like Cam Reddish was out for blood. RJ Barrett’s Duke University teammate and current teammate seemed to play the rest of that season opener as if his career was on the line that night. Reddish would later tie the game and force overtime with a cold blooded three pointer from the corner off of a Jalen Brunson assist due to a very well executed play drawn up by Tom Thibodeau after a Knicks timeout with only 8.4 seconds left in the game. The game was tied at 108-108 after Reddish’s three point shot which eventually forced overtime. After a Memphis Grizzlies timeout, Jalen Brunson also made a overtime forcing play by drawing a charge on Ja Morant who was headed towards the rim with a full head of steam from mid-court.

This could be rare encouraging loss on the road for the Knicks against a possible contender in the West, even though the Grizzlies were missing Jaren Jackson Jr. The Knicks were missing their solid defensive sharpshooting two guard in Quentin Grimes as well. Grimes absence allowed Reddish to receive time and the former 10th overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft wasted no time in asserting himself on both ends of the court. Cam Reddish is known for his play on defense as well due to how he helped the Atlanta Hawks during their deep playoff run two years ago. The ability to bother opponents on the perimeter with his length (6’8” inch tall with a 7’1” wingspan) then come down the other end and make plays for his teammates, as well as make shots while getting into the paint, Reddish’s ceiling is tantalizingly high. Will his ceiling continue to be a tease or will Reddish reach that high potential. Opening night gave positive vibes of Reddish eventually reaching that high upside once he continues getting acclimated with teammates and overall fit with the Knicks roster. However, Reddish’s main concern still remains, and that is him staying healthy. Durability has been Reddish’s main issue and nothing affects a player’s ceiling more than whether or not that player can stay on the court to help his team on a nightly basis.

Will Tom Thibodeau Trust Cam Reddish More As The Season Progresses?

If Cam Reddish capitalizes off of his performance on opening night, the Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau will have no choice but to continue relying on the highly talented player from Pennsylvania, especially if the former Hawk continues looking sharp as he remains intent on taking advantage of his opportunities while Grimes is sidelined.

Reddish Is Letting Everybody Know He Is Certified Through His Play On Both Ends Of The Basketball Court.

There were false reports of Reddish requesting a trade last offseason and Reddish denied it. Performing when the lights are on is something Reddish prefers doing rather than sulking and talking. To thrive in NYC, this style is extremely beneficial to the team and himself. Earning what you’re fighting for is key to success in the NBA and Reddish is doing just that every time he gets an opportunity. Even though preseason was rocky for Reddish, there’ll still plenty of chances for him to thrive in a system he’s still getting use too. Not only will Reddish thrive on the basketball court, he’ll also progress in the weight room as the 23-year old continues working on his body to prevent injuries and get overall stronger.

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