Duke guard Cam Reddish offers an intriguing draft option for Cavs
— The questioner hoped CHICAGO for a response that involved basketball skills, strengths and how Cam Reddish can be the best version of himself in the NBA.
But when asked, “Who are you?” at last month’s NBA Combine, the 19-year-old guard from Duke replied, “Cam Reddish.”
Pressed for more, Reddish said, “I feel I can do everything. I feel like I was more of a shooter this year. I don’t really want to talk about myself as a shooter. I can do a variety of different things.”
Going into the Thursday’s NBA Draft, Reddish had to be confronted with the same query on more than one occasion. A five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American at Westtown School in Philadelphia, Reddish had an underwhelming season as Duke’s third wheel behind fellow freshmen Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. A former high school point guard ranked the third overall prospect in the Class of 2018 by ESPN, Reddish averaged 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 36 games for Duke. Forced to become a spot-up shooter, he shot just 35.6 percent
from the field, including 33.3 percent from long range. He totaled more turnovers (96) than assists (70).
He’s considered the most polarizing player in the draft and perhaps the toughest for lottery teams to evaluate.
But if the Cavaliers don’t orchestrate a trade for the New York Knicks’ No. 3 pick and remain at No. 5, Cavs General Manager Koby Altman could find Reddish intriguing.
Projected as a wing, Reddish is a blend of speed and athleticism. He weighs 208 pounds, has a 7-foot wingspan and can guard 1 through 4. Those skills could immediately help the Cavs, who ranked last in the league in defensive efficiency.
The former Pennsylvania Mr. Basketball has the potential that could be brought out by new Cavs coach John Beilein, who spent the previous 12 seasons at Michigan and excelled in player development during his 41 years in the college ranks.
After a 1-11 start last season, Joe Vardon of The Athletic polled the Cavs locker room and two players said they believed Reddish would be the best professional of the Blue Devils’ talented trio, which includes consensus No. 1 Williamson.
Asked at the combine what he thought of that, Reddish said, “I think so.”
But Reddish is well aware of the common misconception about him.
“My personality is kind of reserved, so people might take that as lazy or too laid back,” he said. “But that’s just not who I am. I’m naturally kind of a reserved, calm guy.”
To those who question his love of basketball because of that, Reddish said, “That’s nonsense.” Asked if he is the type player who hides his fire, Reddish said, “I guess you could say that.”
In high school, Reddish had the ball in his hands, which meant he had to adjust to his role at Duke.
“It was different. Obviously, I don’t see myself as like a shooter,” he said. “For me it was fun, it was something different, so I had to learn. I think it’s preparation for what’s to come. You never know what role you’ll be in the NBA.”
Reddish said he’s heard draft analysts predict he’ll be selected anywhere from the third to the 10th pick; obviously he hopes he goes on the higher end.
“I’ve been doing a ton of workouts and trying to get back to who I really think I can be, who I am. I feel like once I show that, I should definitely move up,” he said.
He made an impression during a May 22 workout in Phoenix, dazzling with a right-handed dunk, then making five consecutive 3-pointers, according to ESPN.com, before cutting the scheduled 15-minute session short. Reddish said he believes he is perfect for a league that now values versatility.
“I can score from all three levels, I feel like I defend at a high level and I’m still a work in progress,” he said. “So it’s only up from here.”