Atlanta Hawks: The impact of Cam Reddish’s return being pushed back
Atlanta Hawks CEO Travis Schlenk recently announced that Cam Reddish‘s timetable for return has been pushed back again. It is expected that the second-year forward should return in time for the second round of the playoffs, should the Hawks make it that far.
The positive news for the Hawks is that Reddish is the only player left on the long-term injury list since De’Andre Hunter returned. Hunter looked good in his return but the Hawks are exercising caution with the second-year wing, keeping him out of the second Washington Wizards game.
Hunter’s return is a good thing for Reddish as the Hawks will not be tempted to play him before he is ready which has the potential to risk a longer-term, more serious injury. If they do this then Reddish might also miss next season, depending on how serious it is of course.
The Atlanta Hawks will need Cam Reddish if they advance deep into the postseason.
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The problem for the Hawks is they are still a little thin at the wing position when it comes to defense. With Hunter returning, they are much stronger, but, they need the defensive instincts of Reddish against the stronger teams they will play deeper in the postseason.
Their round two match-up, should they make it that far, will most probably be against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are a deep team who play off their superstars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
Reddish would be pressed into service trying to stop Simmons and Tobias Harris amongst others. He has the ability to get into the passing lanes which disrupt the opposition’s offense. Playoff basketball is focused more on defense which then creates offense.
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Reddish will be a key piece of the rotation, giving Hunter and Huerter the ability to play harder when they are on the court. The Hawks have a deep roster which is going to cause issues for every team they play, Reddish is a big part of that when healthy.