2019 NBA Draft: Atlanta Hawks select Cam Reddish with No. 10 pick

In pursuit of De’Andre Hunter, the Atlanta Hawks paid a significant price to trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 4 pick. What Travis Schlenk did not include, however, was the No. 10 selection and, with that pick, the Hawks landed Duke freshman Cam Reddish.

The 19-year-old forward was widely projected as a target for Atlanta (with a full scouting report here) throughout the pre-draft process and Reddish’s talent is apparent. At 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan, he is a fluid athlete who was well-regarded as a prep prospect, and Reddish brings intriguing tools to the table on both ends of the floor.

It has to be said that Reddish struggled during his freshman season at Duke, most notably with his finishing near the rim and a sub-40 percent clip on two-point attempts, so the Hawks are banking on a return to his pre-college form. As a shooter, Reddish was solid enough during his time at the college level and, mechanically, there is a lot to like about his shooting stroke when combined with his frame. In fact, Reddish delivered well from a statistical standpoint as an off-movement shooter and he profiles as a classic “better in the pros than in college” prospect.

Prior to college, Reddish was thought to have upside as a secondary creator and, with more space on the floor in the NBA (particularly with the Hawks’ shooting), that skill could come to light. Even if that doesn’t transpire, though, he’ll bring value as a 3-and-D archetype with the ability to stretch opposing defenses.

Defensively, Reddish was better than advertised at Duke. He flashed quality hands and generated an encouraging steal rate (2.9 percent), with the length and fluidity to provide real optimism in his translation to the NBA. Athletically, Reddish isn’t particularly explosive, but he is coordinated and possesses strong body control, profiling as a small forward with good size and acumen.

With his spotty college production, Reddish slipped on many draft boards, at least from the lofty perch at which he left the high school level. Still, the Hawks are banking on his considerable raw talent and, in a system better suited to his skill set, there is plenty of reason to believe that Reddish will be able to succeed in the NBA.

Stay tuned.