Knicks-Reject Cam Reddish’s Breakout Season With Lakers Earns Ex-Coach’s Respect

Cam Reddish has been a pleasant surprise for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2019, Reddish was traded to the New York Knicks in January 2022. But Coach Tom Thibodeau, not finding a place for him in the nine-man rotation; the management decided to trade him to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Not even four months later, he was once again traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. While many would consider him a reject, the Purple and Gold clearly saw potential in the 24-year-old guard. And their trust was seen when Cam Reddish featured in the starting five.

Ex-Knicks coach gives Cam Reddish flowers

When asked about his progress, Thibodeau was all praises for the former Knicks member, “He’s played well. The first thing is to embrace the role, and I think he’s done a really good job for them.”

Take a look at his stats as a starter this season – 8.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, shooting 45.7% from the field and 40.5% from the three. Reddish is thriving in his role as a starter. In fact, they are higher than his regular season averages. As Thibodeau said, the Duke product has fully embraced his role.

But that wasn’t all that bolstered his performance.

“I haven’t had an atmosphere like this…”: Reddish on the Lakers

The LA Lakers have had their eyes on Reddish for some time. And when they finally got the chance, they pounced on it. Having had four team changes in his five seasons, Cam didn’t expect the atmosphere in Los Angeles to be much different from his previous teams.

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He couldn’t have been more wrong. He had a bevy of teammates, who constantly reminded him how much they valued him. Not to mention, the “King” himself placed the ultimate trust in him. “I haven’t had an atmosphere like this I don’t think in my entire NBA career,” Reddish admitted. “So it’s been a lot of fun, it’s been a blessing and I’m just looking forward to the future.”

Another reason he points out for the “team-first” mentality (apparently, a foreign concept for poor Cam) is that the Purple and Gold are all working towards one goal – the championship. “It’s not like that everywhere else. How has it helped me? It’s very serious.” There is no doubt that the 2018 McDonald’s All-American landed at the right place after all those detours!

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