Atlanta Hawks: Several Positives Emerge Despite 0-2 Start
Cam Reddish Versus the New Orleans Pelicans
If Cam Reddish was nervous in his first NBA action, it certainly did not show. The number ten overall pick who missed the summer league while rehabbing from a core injury looked smooth and fluid in his NBA debut.
Cam Reddish scored 11 points off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks against New Orleans. He was 3/4 from three-point range and 5/7 overall. Reddish also chipped in two rebounds and two assists, while only turning the ball over once.
Cam Reddish earned the chance to start vs Orlando but did not fare nearly as well. However early returns show that Cam Reddish will he a major spot-up threat for the Atlanta Hawks. He will also be of assistance as a secondary ball-handler.
Reddish also possesses great length, with his seven-foot wingspan. That at will be a huge asset on defense, particularly in regards to containing scorers off the dribble. Cam’s long reach will also help him be a disruptive force in the passing lanes. He should get more and more deflections, as his awareness of NBA offense increases.
Cam looks comfortable and hasn’t visibly shown any nerves. It’s clear that Reddish belongs in the NBA and could very well be, the Tracy McGrady like a superstar, that draft analyst Rashad Phillips of Sportstalk2319.com predicts him to be.
Back in June I was on Fox Sports radio and I said Cam Reddish reminds me of Tracy McGrady. Cam’s HS school Seth Berger says Cam reminds him of Tracy as well. I watch tape with no volume and it’s a reason why. #TalkSoon pic.twitter.com/OimgXhR6Du
— Rashad Phillips (@RP3natural) October 10, 2019
The Play of De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter has high expectations placed on him after the Atlanta Hawks moved multiple picks to trade up from number eight to number four to secure him. So far Hunter seems very much up to the task.
De’Andre Hunter has gotten off to a great start, averaging 12.5 points per game. He’s been efficient while doing so, shooting 56 percent from the field. He’s also averaging 3.5 rebounds and two assists per preseason contest.
Most impressively Hunter has been active on defense. Talented Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram often had a difficult time scoring when guarded by D’Andre. That speaks volumes because Ingram averaged a career-high 18.3 points per game last year.
De’Andre Hunter doesn’t have the storied high school career of his rookie teammate Cam Reddish. He also did not receive the same level of fan fair, nor is his game as aesthetically pleasing as his teammate’s. Yet with his combination of defensive abilities, shooting skills and maturity, Hunter may be exactly what the Atlanta Hawks needed.