The Cam Reddish Present is coming quickly on Broadway — and it may well’t occur quick sufficient.
Coach Tom Thibodeau hinted Reddish may make his Knicks debut as quickly as their subsequent recreation, Sunday on the Backyard towards the Clippers.
One week in the past, the Knicks traded Kevin Knox and a conditional first-round decide to the Hawks for Reddish, the previous Duke standout chosen tenth within the 2019 draft.
Earlier than he was traded, Reddish missed his final Hawks recreation with a sprained ankle, although he had been listed as questionable.
Whereas Knox has already made his Hawks debut, the Knicks have taken their time with Reddish. There isn’t an apparent rotation spot for him and so they seemingly needed him to apply just a few instances and get acclimated with the playbook.
He’s appeared good lofting photographs throughout pregame warm-ups.
“Fairly shut,’’ Thibodeau stated earlier than the Knicks misplaced to the Pelicans, 102-91, on Thursday. “He’s transferring round fairly good. Ought to be any day now.’’
At practices, Reddish, too, has proven some flashes to the teaching workers on why he was heralded getting into the 2019 draft.
“Yeah, it’s exhausting to inform, as a result of we haven’t gotten right into a recreation,’’ Thibodeau stated. “He’s studying what we’re doing, in order that takes somewhat time. We love his dimension. He’s been terrific. He is available in early. He research. He works exhausting. So, he’s doing all the best issues, which is step one.’’
The participant to undergo most from Reddish’s entry into the rotation could possibly be rookie taking pictures guard Quentin Grimes, who has grow to be a staple the previous month after being taken within the first spherical. However the Knicks additionally imagine Reddish can play some energy ahead in a small-ball alignment. That would additionally have an effect on 2020 lottery decide Obi Toppin.
It took a while for Grimes to earn Thibodeau’s belief and now he’s bought it.
“Simply in all probability getting him indoctrinated into the NBA,’’ Thibodeau stated. “We all the time knew these are issues we like about him within the draft. His protection is particular. He can guard 4 positions very well. His shot profile is terrific. He takes the best shot.’’
The Knicks had been led in Thursday’s loss by surging middle Mitchell Robinson. The New Orleans native had 17 factors and 15 rebounds however shot 5 of 10 from the free-throw line.
It’s believed to be an NBA first — cousins drafted on consecutive picks. New Orleans small ahead Herb Jones and Knicks level guard Miles McBride went thirty fifth and thirty sixth, respectively, final July.
Jones and McBride had been shut rising up, with McBride visiting him each summer time in Alabama. The Knicks handed on Jones by taking a European stash decide, level guard Rokas Jokubaitis, at 34. Jokubaitis is enjoying nicely this season in Barcelona, however Jones, who scored 11 factors Thursday, is de facto thriving as a rookie, taking pictures 40.2 p.c from 3 getting into play. It was noteworthy Thibodeau praised Jones, unsolicited, earlier than the sport.
“Herb Jones is a terrific basketball participant,’’ Thibodeau stated. “For many who don’t know him he’s very, excellent.”
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