Atlanta Hawks: 3 players who need to step up in De’Andre Hunter’s absence

Atlanta Hawks player to step up No. 2) Cam Reddish

The Hawks were without Reddish for the majority of last season and he is trying to make up for that at the start of this one. He was named the biggest surprise for the Hawks this season and it is easy to see why.

Reddish started the season with a level of aggression that benefitted the Hawks’ offense. He was shooting the 3-ball well and had several games where he scored at or near 20 points. His offense then fell away during the Hawks extended losing streak. It has since come back in a big way including the game-winning dagger against the Charlotte Hornets.

While Reddish is an important offensive piece, it is his work on the defensive end that will be most crucial for the Hawks during Hunter’s absence. He is now the best individual wing defender on the active roster meaning that it is his job to shut down the opposition’s best player when Reddish is on the floor.

Reddish is more than up for this challenge. He needs to show the Hawks that he is worth an extension next summer when he becomes eligible. His first two seasons were interrupted, one by COVID-19 and the other by injury. Now it is time for Reddish to shine.