NEW YORK — Cam Reddish is likely available for the first time as a Knick. Whether he cracks coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation is another story.
Reddish, who was acquired via trade last week for a first-round pick, has recovered from his ankle sprain and declared himself “100 percent” for Sunday afternoon’s contest against the Clippers. However, Thibodeau cautioned that his rotation is set and called for patience from Reddish.
“We have a rotation so he has to be patient and work his way through that,” the coach said.
Barring fresh injuries or another trade it was always tough to envision Reddish claiming a large role this season on the Knicks, with four wings — RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley — eating up most of the minutes. Reddish’s potential is tantalizing as a 2019 lottery pick out of Duke, but his defense was lackluster in Atlanta and there’s typically a learning curve with a new team.
Reddish, for his part, said he understands the situation.
“It gives me more time to prepare for when my time comes,” Reddish said. “But I didn’t expect to come in and be out there doing whatever. I know I’m going to have to work for it and stay in touch with Thibs and my teammates.”
Reddish arrived in New York with his minor sprain but has been cleared for contact and was a full participant in Saturday’s practice. Thibodeau said he’s impressed with Reddish’s commitment, noting the 6-8 Pennsylvania native has been hitting the gym early and staying late.
The Knicks pounced on Reddish because he cost very little (they dealt Kevin Knox and the first-round pick was heavily protected) and is under contract through next season. But there is a potential conundrum. Reddish requested a trade out of Atlanta because of a desire for a larger role, which the Knicks probably can’t offer. If anything, he’ll get fewer minutes than his Hawks average this season of 23.4 per game.
“To be honest I didn’t know what was going to happen with the whole trade situation. I literally woke up to it all and ended up in New York,” he said. “So, I’m just excited man to just get started. I can’t really control everything, minutes and stuff like that. But I can control my attitude and my effort. I’m going to do my best to give all that up.”
Based on New York’s personnel, Reddish’s best chance for playing time might be as a small-ball power forward if Julius Randle slides to center. However, Thibodeau has been resistant to such a configuration and center Mitchell Robinson has been a revelation recently.
Reddish, who grew up idolizing Kevin Durant, said he has no problem playing power forward. Either way, don’t expect a savior in Reddish on Sunday or this season. This was a long play.
Still no Julius
The Knicks ate a $25,000 fine for supposedly not making grouchy Julius Randle available to the media and Thibodeau said it would not distract from winning.
“I think the big thing is just be focused on the next game and winning, and that’s where we are,” Thibodeau said. “So, we felt the best thing for the team was to do that. So that’s what we’re gonna do. We’re always going to put the focus on that.”
The struggling Randle hasn’t spoken to the media in two weeks.
