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Begley: Nuggets are interested in Cam Reddish

By Asher Levy

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 31: Cam Reddish #0 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 31: Cam Reddish #0 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Per Ian Begley of SNYtv, the Nuggets have registered some interest in Knicks wing Cam Reddish. This means the Nuggets have likely had some preliminary conversations regarding the price and availability of Cam Reddish.

They’ve looked for a defensive minded wing, and there’s a chance the front office sees Cam Reddish as someone who could fill that niche. He has a reputation as a solid defender, and is someone who has been reportedly very available.

However, his reputation may be a bit misleading. He’s only played in 20 games this season because Tom Thibodeau has deemed him as not good enough. This could be because of his play on either end of the court — neither of which has been very kosher this season.

While he is a good on-ball defender when engaged, using his athletic frame and long wingspan to stay in front of his assignment, he generally is a negative when he’s guarding an off-ball assignment. His attention span on defense leaves a lot to be desired.

The Nuggets’ issues on defense have largely come from players getting open layups or 3 pointers due to poor off-ball defense, and Cam Reddish wouldn’t help address that. Having a good on-ball defender is nice, sure, but on defense he is an overall neutral or even negative due to his issues off-ball.

His offense isn’t better either, while a lot his moves look pretty and aesthetically pleasing, when he tries to do too much it often results in empty possessions for units that need a boost on that end of the floor.

His shot selection has gotten better over the seasons (he doesn’t take star player shots anymore), but he still has moments in which he hijacks the offense. His 3 point shooting leaves a lot to be desired too, only shooting 30.4% this season and 32.3% on his career.

He likely wouldn’t be in the Nuggets playoff rotation, and making a move for someone who wouldn’t touch the floor much would likely be a wrong step for the team. The vibes in the locker room seem to be high this season, and there’s no reason to mess that up if it isn’t necessary.

Also, a name that has been tossed around by fans on social media is Bones Hyland. Bones is likely to be traded, but if Cam Reddish is the best return the Nuggets could get, then it may be worth it to just keep him and make a move in the offseason.

Bones has his flaws, but Cam Reddish isn’t an upgrade and that would leave the roster with Jamal Murray as their only real ball handler. Bruce Brown is a solid secondary playmaker, but there aren’t many primary ball handlers on the roster. Moving one of them for a non-rotation player could be a bad move.

I think these talks were just preliminary though, and that the front office will find a better trade. Whether that be involving Bones Hyland or otherwise.