ATLANTA — Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau met with Cam Reddish at a resort right here earlier than the sport Saturday evening in opposition to the Hawks.
If Thibodeau advised Reddish what he subsequently advised reporters, the previous Hawk hasn’t been promised something in a crowded Knicks rotation.
The Knicks traded for Reddish with out parting with a participant within the rotation, so “a logjam’’ exists, as Thibodeau has admitted.
The coach is just not going to be prejudiced and play the shiny new factor on his roster. Minutes have to be earned — particularly in observe.
“With each workforce, day-after-day you’re engaged on the event of your workforce and your gamers and you've got a finite quantity of minutes obtainable in every sport — 240 minutes,’’ Thibodeau stated earlier than the Knicks’ 117-108 win. “So you must play whomever offers you the most effective likelihood to win. And no one’s growth is extra necessary than another person’s growth. Profitable has to come back first. You play who offers you the most effective likelihood to win. For those who’re within the rotation, you must carry out properly.’’
There isn't a timetable for Reddish’s debut — he's rehabbing a sprained ankle — nevertheless it seems a battle royal might be on for minutes.
“You don’t lock into one participant, you lock into our workforce,’’ Thibodeau added. “So it’s not simply Cam’s growth or simply [Immanuel Quickley’s]. It’s everybody’s growth. I’m trying ahead to working with Cam. Apply is necessary to me. It's important to earn what you get, it’s that straightforward.’’
Hawks coach Nate McMillan sounded as if he's lamenting that Reddish requested for a commerce this summer time so he may play extra minutes (he has averaged 23.4 minutes this season). McMillan noticed loads of promise even when Reddish has underachieved. The Hawks coach stated it’s “unlucky’’ he was sad.
“I actually like Cam,’’ McMillan stated. “I’ve solely been with him in all probability 1½ years. Working with him the primary time I noticed the potential, loads of potential in Cam. He and I had many conversations of my imaginative and prescient of what I believed he could possibly be. I had the chance to educate Paul George — similar kind of physique, similar kind of sport, the power to attain, be a two-way participant. These are issues I all the time talked to him about. He has a ton of potential.’’
Middle Nerlens Noel was a late scratch with a sore knee after it did not loosen throughout pregame warmups. He’s performed 18 video games amid a disastrous season since signing a three-year, $30 million contract.
PG Kemba Walker was not with the Knicks. He stayed in New York for conditioning, however sounds as if he’ll make his return Monday in opposition to the Hornets, one in all his former groups.
Reddish will put on jersey No. 21 since his standard 22 is retired — final worn by Knicks nice Dave DeBusschere.
New Hawk Kevin Knox was energetic Saturday however didn't play. Earlier than the sport a number of Knicks came visiting to offer him hugs and backslaps
“He’s performed restricted minutes since he got here into the league,’’ McMillan stated. “He’s bought actually good measurement and talent to shoot the basketball. Good measurement and might play the three and 4 and might put the ball within the basket.’’
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