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Julius Randle’s leadership could be key to Cam Reddish emergence

By Jordanna Clark

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 12: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 12, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 12: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 12, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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For the third consecutive regular season game, New York Knicks’ Quentin Grimes will be out with a sore left foot against the Orlando Magic on Monday. There’s no timeline for Grimes’ return, but Tom Thibodeau has said that the guard has to be fully pain-free before he takes the court again. With Grimes out, Cam Reddish will continue to be part of New York’s rotation.

Reddish had a rather dismal preseason, but he was able to combat that with a phenomenal performance on opening night against the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished with 22 points (9-of-15) and five rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench, which included the game-tying three to force the game into overtime.

Following the game, Reddish went into detail about his play. He said:

"“Just getting more comfortable, get with my teammates, my teammates encouraging me throughout the game, Julius [Randle] telling me to be aggressive. That goes a long way,” Reddish said. Obviously, being traded mid-year is tough. New group of guys, new plays, new everything. Just trying to find my way, be aggressive, be assertive. I’m trying to make the right play.”"

Reddish shot 6-for-28 from the field in the preseason, so his teammates continuing to encourage him during the season opener was the boost that his confidence needed. And it certainly helped that Julius Randle was pushing him to be aggressive.

Julius Randle’s leadership played a role in Cam Reddish’s season-opener performance for Knicks

Julius Randle has had an excellent start to the regular season, which has been nice to watch after seeing how he performed in 2021-22. After an offseason that was full of fans hoping and wishing for Randle to be traded, the forward has redefined his role with the team.

Randle’s only 27, but his role with the Knicks extends behind how he performs on the court because he’s one of the leaders of a young locker room. Reddish’s career hasn’t panned out as hoped, but with him being due for a new contract in the offseason, this is the year where he needs to prove himself. The guidance from Randle will be key as the season wears on.

As things currently stand, Reddish is No. 3 (behind Obi Toppin) in the league with a defensive rating of 88.9. His length helps him to stand out on the defensive end, but the offensive end is where he needs to stick out, and that’s exactly what he did against Memphis. He shot 3-for-8 from the floor for six points against Detroit on Friday, so one of the things that he needs to work on is consistency.

And hopefully in tonight’s game against Orlando, Reddish will be able to capitalize on the minutes that he spends on the court.

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