The Atlanta Hawks have not had the start tio the season that they would have wanted. After nine games they are below .500 and about to start a four game roadtrip against some of the best teams in the Western Conference.
The Hawks have struggled on the road so far this season, their regular season road record has been one issue that Nate McMillan has been unable to rectify during his tenure as coach. Except for one or two runs a game when they are on the road, the team has played reasonably well.
There have been a number of bright spots though. De’Andre Hunter has started to show his true potential again after last season was ruined by injury. However, the best news coming out of Atlanta right now is Cam Reddish, he is playing well enough to be in contention for two end of season awards.
The Atlanta Hawks are benefitting from the two-way play of Cam Reddish.
The first award that Reddish will be in line for if he continues to play in this manner is the Most Improved Player award. Reddish has had two seasons in the league but both of them have been interupted. His rookie season was interupted by COVID-19 and then last season was absolutely whrecked by his Achillies injury.
Reddish has started this season by being incredibly agressive on offense. He is starting to make the right decisions between passing and shooting, and is usually the first man into the game. His defense is also a crucial part of the Hawks second unit. His long arms are getting into passing lanes, caussing deflections and steals.
The other award that Reddish could be in line for is Sixth Man of the Year. Despite the fact he is playing so well, Nate McMillan is using Reddish as a key member of the second unit. He is third on the team with scoring and leading the team in steals per game.
While nine games are a very small sample size, Reddish is showing that he likes the style of play that the Hawks are playing under McMillan. If he can keep going like this then he is going to be in the conversation for both awards at the end of the season.