MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cam Reddish showed he deserves more than just the “first crack” as a contributor on the second unit in place of the injured Quentin Grimes.
Before the Knicks’ season-opening, 115-112 overtime loss to the Grizzlies, coach Tom Thibodeau said Reddish would get a shot with Grimes out due to lingering soreness in his left foot. Reddish made the most of his opportunity, showcasing the potential that made him a lottery pick.
The 6-foot-8 wing hit his first two 3-point attempts and scored 22 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals in 28 impactful minutes, keying the Knicks’ strong second half and near-comeback from a 19-point, third-quarter deficit.
“My teammates were encouraging me throughout the game, Julius telling me to be aggressive, stuff like that. That goes a long way,” said Reddish, a free agent-to-be after by far his best game as a Knick. “Obviously being traded midway is tough, new group of guys, new everything. Just trying to find my way, be aggressive, be assertive and make the right play.”
Cam Reddish had a strong night with 22 points in the Knicks’ opening-night loss. Getty ImagesHad the Knicks prevailed, Reddish would’ve been one of the heroes. His 3-pointer with 3.0 seconds left in regulation forced overtime. This was the kind of performance the Knicks envisioned when they acquired Reddish from the Hawks last January in exchange for a first-round pick, and it was very different from what they saw during his uneven preseason in which he shot 6-of-28 from the field. He was active on defense and made quick decisions on the offensive end, finishing off strong drives with forceful takes.
“I was really doing it for me, prove it to myself,” Reddish said. “I know it definitely goes a long way to the top of the top [of the franchise].”
When asked if he was doubting himself, Reddish shook his head.
“Let me say it like this: I know what I can do,” he said. “I wanted to make sure I still got it.”
Reddish certainly looked the part on Wednesday night. If he can continue to play like this, the Knicks won’t have a choice but to create a role for him even when Grimes returns.
