With the intention of confirming their superb run during the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Hawks can count on a Cam Reddish well in legs at the start of the season. The one who dropped some big perfs in the Conference Finals against the Bucks a few months ago has indeed returned with the same intentions. What to boost Atlanta’s ambitions a little more, but also transfer rumors?
We still remember his encouraging comeback in Game 2 against the Bucks in the Playoffs after weeks and weeks of absence. We also remember his contribution to the Hawks’ victory against Milwaukee in Game 4 of the series, and especially his finish with a bang in the sixth inning – 21 points in 29 minutes off the bench – where he did everything. to try to prevent the elimination of his own, without success. So that’s how Cam Reddish ended last season, and that’s how he’s starting the 2021-22 campaign. The Hawks have only played three games since the resumption, but the tenth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft is already positioning himself as a potential candidate in the race for the Sixth Man of the Year title this season. We were talking about Tyler Herro yesterday, and bah Reddish is not bad either: 18.7 points average (20, 19 and 17) during the start of the school year, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 interceptions, all this at 44.2% shooting including … 56.3% from distance (9 / 16 from the parking lot) and almost 82% from the free throw line. If there is one who did not have an ignition delay on the Atlanta side, it is Cam, who notably takes advantage of the absence of an injured Danilo Gallinari to win. Further proof of the very good depth of the Hawks today, but above all proof of Reddish’s talent for those who would have forgotten him after the many physical problems he has experienced since his arrival in the NBA. Known above all for his defensive qualities and the energy he can bring to the second unit, the former Duke shows a very serious glimpse of his attacking potential today notably through his progress in the shoot. To be confirmed over time, of course, but we could hardly ask for a better start.
A big departure that could cause a… departure from Atlanta? Yes the sentence is weird and you are probably wondering why the Hawks would choose to part with their nugget when it is just emerging in broad daylight. Don’t panic, we’ll explain. The first thing to know, and this is Michael Scotto from HoopsHype which informs us is that several leaders in the NBA would closely monitor the 22-year-old winger, who was already in the rumors during the last trade deadline. His talent, his physical profile (2m03, 100 kilos) and his versatility – especially defensive – seduce throughout the League. Admittedly, it has not yet proven much over time, but the potential is clearly there. And it is precisely because he begins to chain the good performances that certain franchises – not identified by Michael Scotto – are more and more on the spot. Then, the other element to keep in mind is the salary situation of the Falcons in connection with the contractual situation of Cam Reddish. As indicated The Athletic, the Hawks took out the checkbook to extend the pillars of the team, from Trae Young to John Collins to Clint Capela and Kevin Huerter. Result, it begins to smell the luxury tax on the Atlanta side (it is planned for the 2022-23 season) and who says luxury tax sometimes means choices to be made. After the 2021-22 season, De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish will both be eligible for a contract extension, they who come from the same draft class (2019) and who are therefore entering their third NBA season. If Reddish continues his momentum, he is bound to have arguments when negotiating his next deal. But at the same time, we know how much the Falcons love the potential two-way De’Andre Hunter, who turned 15 points per game as a sophomore and who today makes misery for the best (hello Luka Doncic) with his defense. In the Hawks’ hierarchy right now, De’Andre is above Cam, so it’s questionable if Atlanta is going to decide to sacrifice Reddish, just to get something really interesting in return before negotiating. an extension that could weigh down the finances even more. According to Michael Scotto, who quotes an officer of an NBA team, some franchises could in particular offer a protected lottery pick in Atlanta as part of a possible transfer …
Much will obviously depend on Hawks owner Tony Ressler’s willingness to spend pennies to maximize Atlanta’s playoff chances. In view of the latest signings, Ressler seems really ready to do it, he who believes in the room for improvement of his current workforce while dreaming of attracting big names to Atlanta. In other words, the ambition is there. Whether Cam Reddish will be an integral part of the project remains to be seen.
Sources texte : HoopsHype, The Athletic
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