In his rookie season with the Hawks, Reddish adapted quickly on that side of things, which is usually a slower process for first-year players. General manager Travis Schlenk remembers just how quickly, recalling Reddish forcing Reggie Jackson into two air balls within the first few minutes of the Hawks’ season-opening win in Detroit.
With his athleticism and length (6-foot-8 with a 7-1 wingspan), defense became Reddish’s bread and butter, particularly early in season before his offense started catching up. The 20-year-old Reddish is a member of the Hawks’ young “Core Five” (along with Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, De’Andre Hunter and John Collins) which the franchise is rebuilding around, and Schlenk sees his defensive capabilities as a key factor for the team in seasons to come.