Heading into the 2019 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans should jump at the opportunity to select Cam Reddish with the 4th overall pick
Thanks to a bit of luck on NBA Draft Lottery night, the Los Angeles Lakers were awarded the fourth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Lakers ultimately traded the 4th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade centered around Anthony Davis.
With the No. 4 pick, there will be a number of options for the Pelicans. However, there might not be a prospect that fits on the team’s roster more than Cam Reddish.
Reddish, a 6-foot-8 forward, helped lift the Duke Blue Devils to national prominence last season with his play on the court. For the season, Reddish averaged 13.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
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If Zion plays in the NBA the way he did at Duke, the Pelicans would be best suited to draft Cam Reddish. Reddish also showed great chemistry when he played with Zion Williamson at Duke. It feels like people in the media has forgotten how well Cam Reddish can play. He is definitely a sleeper in this year’s draft and could make a big splash next season.
Duke did an excellent job at of having players that complemented Zion well. They did this by having high volume 3-point shooters around him like Cam Reddish and RJ Barrett. Also, by having players that can pass and defend will create fastbreak opportunities.
Reddish fits this profile well. He is a modern 3-and-D role player that can be a formidable playmaker as well. Despite being at Duke, Reddish was top 2 in the NCAA in 3-Point FG attempts and 4th in 3-Point FG made. He was also 12th in defensive rating and 13th in defensive win shares. He is reminiscent of a younger Trevor Ariza. However, he could also have much more upside.
In the recruiting class for Duke, Reddish was ranked second in the country. He was predicted to go top four at the beginning of his season at Duke. If Cam Reddish had played on another team besides by Duke, he would have gotten more responsibility and would have performed better. He could is definitely worthy of being a top 5 pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
Even if the Pelicans flip the fourth overall pick for more draft picks, they should choose Reddish as one of those draft picks.
The Pelicans will enable Reddish to excel as a 3-point shooter and fit seamlessly into their offense. Reddish will also have the opportunity to grow and develop with Zion. Should the Pelicans have the opportunity to draft Cam Reddish, they shouldn’t hesitate.