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Damian Lillard’s Cam Reddish perspective proves Knicks weren’t right fit

ByJordanna Clark|
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 10: Cam Reddish #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers plays against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Moda Center on February 10, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 10: Cam Reddish #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers plays against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Moda Center on February 10, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Amanda Loman/Getty Images)

The only move that the New York Knicks made ahead of the trade deadline was a necessary one, sending Cam Reddish to the Trail Blazers for Josh Hart. Reddish’s final game with New York came on Dec. 3, two and a half months before he was traded.

After being drafted No. 10 in 2019, Reddish is now on his third team in 13 months. The Knicks sent a protected first-round pick and Kevin Knox to the Hawks over a year ago for Reddish and they sent a protected first-round pick with him to the Trail Blazers. Ironically enough, Reddish and Knox are together in Portland.

Reddish not only played in his first basketball game in over two months on Friday night, but he started for Portland. In 17 minutes, he finished with 11 points (4-of-7), two rebounds, and two assists. That’s not too shabby for someone that had previously been riding the bench in New York.

Damian Lillard, the face of the franchise, spoke to the media about what the Cam Reddish trade means for Portland.

Damian Lillard talks about Cam Reddish addition after Knicks-Blazers trade

Damian Lillard said that he’s always liked Cam Reddish. He referred to him as “a guy that can shoot the ball” and “a good athlete.” Lillard praised the 23-year-old’s defensive efforts, too. Here’s the part of Lillard’s response about Reddish that resonated the most, though.

"“He hasn’t found a home yet, but he’s one of those guys where you just always look like, man if he gets to the right place, could it just click?” Lillard said. “Could you see something come out of it? And I take a lot of pride in pouring into guys, especially in a situation like this. So, I like the opportunity for him and for us.”"

New York certainly wasn’t the right place for Reddish, or at least with Tom Thibodeau at the helm it wasn’t. The Knicks made the right move in trading Reddish because he wasn’t doing any good sitting on the end of the bench, but it could be a deal that ends up greatly benefitting Portland. If the Trail Blazers prove to be the right fit for Reddish, fans could start to see some of his untapped potential.

Having a teammate like Lillard is something that should help Reddish a lot, too. A couple of years ago, Dame was voted the league’s best teammate by his peers. His experience and leadership are something that has shaped those around him.

Cam Reddish’s final few months in NYC didn’t go as hoped, but now he’s been granted the clean slate that he’s been looking for. Hopefully, he’ll be able to ‘click’ in Portland alongside Damian Lillard.

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