By all accounts, the New York Knicks came out on top with a trade involving the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. In a deal, the Knicks acquired Cam Reddish and Solomon Hill from Atlanta, providing them with a 2022 protected first-round pick via Charlotte and Kevin Knox.
This season, Reddish has been upset with his role, asking management to trade him to a team that will give him a more expanded opportunity. Reddish is averaging a career-high 11.9 points over 23.4 minutes, a high over three seasons in the NBA.
However, the 22-year-old forward has seen a tremendous increase in three-point efficiency, shooting 26.2% last year and elevating to 38% this year from deep. He’s also averaging around the same amount of attempts at 4.5 compared to 4.8 last season.
Typically, small forwards are capable of being versatile, helping in different scenarios, and being a flexible option with varying combinations of players. The only other small forward the Knicks have on the roster is Evan Fournier, who’s been featuring more of a shooting role this season.
How Reddish will fit into the Knicks strategy and gameplan is yet to be seen, but his smaller frame than a power forward gives him more versatility and speed.
The Knicks officially announced the acquisition on Friday morning but also indicated they will be waiving recently signed point guard Ryan Arcidiacono.
Arcidiacono has missed several games due to an injury, and with the trade taking place, they didn’t have the extra roster spot to keep him involved moving forward. The former Chicago Bull has experienced four seasons in the NBA, averaging a career-best back in 2018 with 6.7 points and 3.5 assists per game.
With the Knicks struggling at point guard, they desperately needed more assistance and support, but they will continue to roll with Miles McBride, Immanuel Quickley, and Alec Burks to supplement the losses of Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker, who is expected to return at some point soon.
Coincidentally, the Knicks are preparing to face off against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Reddish will have an immediate opportunity to show his former team what he’s capable of, given Tom Thibodeau supplies him with ample playing time.
This post was published on 2022-01-14 10:03
