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Cam Reddish finally takes shot at Tom Thibodeau month after Knicks-Blazers trade

By Jordanna Clark

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 10: Cam Reddish #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Trail Blazers 120-119. 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 10: Cam Reddish #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Trail Blazers 120-119. 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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It’s been over a month since the New York Knicks traded Cam Reddish and a protected first-round pick to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Josh Hart. It’s a move that’s worked out well for both sides, especially the Knicks since Reddish hadn’t played in over two months.

After an up-and-down year in New York, the 2019 lottery pick is off to a good start in Portland. He’s averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field and 36.1% from three in 13 games (11 starts). Ironically enough, his best game as a Blazer thus far came against the Hawks when he dropped 25 points (9-of-17 from the field, 4-of-9 from three) in 33 minutes.

Although he’s no longer a Knick, fans should be happy to see Reddish playing well in Portland. It was a trade that needed to happen, especially since the 23-year-old was wasting away on the bench in New York.

Cam Reddish opens up about Knicks stint ahead of New York-Portland game

For the first time since the trade, Josh Hart will be returning to Portland and Cam Reddish will go up against his former team. Knicks fans shouldn’t be surprised to learn that Reddish didn’t exactly enjoy his time in New York.

Speaking to New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy, Reddish opened up about how he felt about his year as a Knick.

"“It was tough but at the same time, it ain’t even about basketball,” Reddish told the Daily News. “It had nothing to do with basketball. It was all the politics, all the favoritism. S–t like that. That’s why I wasn’t too worried about it.”"

With the Trail Blazers, Reddish is more relaxed and has room to make mistakes without worrying about being removed from the rotation.

"“I can shoot a shot — and in New York, I feel like I HAD to make it,” Reddish, who will face the Knicks on Tuesday in Portland, said. “I know I’m not the only person that felt like that.“I was putting too much pressure on myself. Now I can relax and play my game. You’re going to see it. The more I’m on the court, the more I’m going to grow and play. I’m happy.”"

Can you blame him for feeling the way that he does? He racked up 33 straight DNPs before he was dealt to Portland after months of trade rumors. Knicks fans were left perplexed with how Tom Thibodeau and the organization were treating Reddish, especially when Evan Fournier received minutes over him. It left many wondering why New York sent a protected first-round pick to Atlanta for him in the first place.

Reddish emphasized to New York Daily News that he isn’t focused on what happened in New York, but that he’s instead looking ahead to the future. He said that he’s in “a completely different place” and that he’s “blessed.” With Reddish set to become a restricted free agent during the offseason, hopefully he’ll be able to remain in Portland long-term.

Will Cam Reddish remind Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks what they missed out on in Portland on Tuesday night?

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