Cameron Elijah Reddish, known as Cam Reddish, is a name that has sparked both excitement and debate in the basketball world. As a former Duke Blue Devil and a top-10 NBA draft pick, Reddish entered the professional scene with sky-high expectations. His journey, however, has been a rollercoaster of promise, challenges, and ongoing development. 

This article explores Reddish’s career trajectory, his performance stats, injury history, recent news, and the public’s fascination with his potential, all based on the latest available information. From his high school dominance to his current status as a free agent, we’ll dive into what makes Cam Reddish a compelling figure in basketball.

Early Life and High School Stardom

Born on September 1, 1999, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Cam Reddish grew up with basketball in his blood. His athletic frame of 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan combined with his natural talent, made him a standout from a young age. Reddish attended The Haverford School and later Westtown School, both in Pennsylvania, where he quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top high school prospects.

At Westtown, Reddish’s versatility shone. He could score from anywhere, defend multiple positions, and handle the ball like a guard despite his forward’s size. His senior year stats were staggering averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, he led Westtown to multiple championships and earned McDonald’s All-American honors in 2018. Recruiting services like ESPN and 247Sports ranked him as a five-star recruit and a top-five player in the class of 2018. This meteoric rise set the stage for his next chapter at Duke University.

College Career at Duke: A Mixed Bag

The One-and-Done Experience

At Duke, under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Reddish played in 36 games during the 2018-19 season, starting 35. His stats 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game were solid but often overshadowed by Williamson’s highlight-reel dunks and Barrett’s scoring prowess. Reddish shot 35.6% from the field and 33.3% from three, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling with consistency. His ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions was evident, but his role as the third option sometimes limited his opportunities to shine.

In the NCAA Tournament, Duke reached the Elite Eight but fell to Michigan State. Reddish’s performance was inconsistent, with standout games like his 22-point effort against Louisville but quieter outings in key moments. Still, his potential was undeniable, and he declared for the 2019 NBA Draft after one season, projected as a lottery pick.

NBA Draft and Early Professional Career

Selected 10th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft, Reddish entered the league with high expectations. His combination of size, skill, and defensive upside drew comparisons to players like Paul George. In his rookie season (2019-20), Reddish appeared in 58 games, starting 34, and averaged 10.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. His shooting splits (38.4% FG, 33.2% 3PT) reflected a learning curve, but he showed promise as a two-way wing.

Injuries, however, began to creep into his narrative. A core muscle injury sidelined him for parts of his rookie year, and he struggled to find a consistent role alongside stars like Trae Young. By his second season, Reddish improved slightly, averaging 11.2 points and shooting 36.5% from three, but trade rumors swirled as the Hawks sought to reshape their roster.

Trade to the New York Knicks

In January 2022, the Hawks traded Reddish to the New York Knicks in exchange for Kevin Knox II and a first-round pick. The move was seen as a fresh start, but Reddish’s time in New York was marred by injuries and limited minutes. He played just 15 games for the Knicks, averaging 6.1 points in 14.4 minutes per game. A shoulder injury ended his season prematurely, raising questions about his durability. Fans and analysts began to wonder if Reddish could live up to his draft pedigree.

Portland Trail Blazers: A Brief Stint

At the 2023 trade deadline, the Knicks sent Reddish to the Portland Trail Blazers in a four-team deal. In Portland, he played 20 games, averaging 11.0 points and shooting 44.3% from the field and 31.8% from three. While he showed flashes of his potential, inconsistency and a crowded rotation limited his impact. Reddish became a free agent in the summer of 2023, leaving Portland without a long-term commitment.

Los Angeles Lakers: A New Chapter

In July 2023, Reddish signed a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team looking to bolster its wing depth around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The move was seen as a low-risk, high-reward gamble, given Reddish’s talent and youth. Under first-year head coach JJ Redick (a fellow Duke alum), Reddish aimed to carve out a role as a 3-and-D wing.

2023-24 Season: Finding a Niche

In his first season with the Lakers, Reddish appeared in 48 games, starting 26, and averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. His shooting efficiency remained a concern (38.9% FG, 33.6% 3PT), but he earned praise for his defensive versatility, often tasked with guarding opposing teams’ best perimeter players. Highlights included a 17-point performance against the Orlando Magic and solid defensive showings against stars like Kevin Durant.

Injuries, however, continued to plague him. Reddish missed time due to ankle and knee issues, and his inconsistent offense led to fluctuating minutes. Still, Lakers fans saw glimpses of the player Reddish could become, particularly in his ability to stretch the floor and disrupt opponents defensively.

2024-25 Season: A Career Low and Waived

The 2024-25 season was a turning point for Reddish, but not in the way he hoped. In 33 games (eight starts), he averaged a career-low 3.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals, shooting 40.4% from the field and a dismal 27.7% from three. His role diminished as the Lakers prioritized other players, and injuries, particularly a lingering lower back issue further hampered his performance. On March 27, 2025, the Lakers waived Reddish to make room for Jordan Goodwin, whose two-way contract was converted to a standard deal. This move, reported by ESPN and Sports Illustrated, marked the end of Reddish’s tenure with the Lakers.

Recent News and Developments

Waived by the Lakers: The most significant recent development was Reddish’s release from the Lakers on March 27, 2025. The move, which opened a roster spot for Jordan Goodwin, sparked varied reactions. Some fans, like X user @sig_50, praised Reddish’s potential, arguing that his talent warrants a more intentional opportunity. Others, like @RyB_311, were critical, pointing to his inconsistent performance since high school despite a six-year NBA career.

Failed Trade to Charlotte: In February 2025, the Lakers agreed to trade Reddish and Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, but the deal fell through due to concerns over Williams’ health. Reddish returned to Los Angeles, briefly raising hopes of increased minutes, especially with LeBron James dealing with a foot injury. However, Reddish’s back issues and poor shooting limited his impact.

Current Status: Free Agency As of May 18, 2025, Reddish remains a free agent, with no reported signings since his release from the Lakers. His next move will be critical, as teams may view him as a reclamation project, a talented player who needs the right system to unlock his potential.

The Bigger Picture: Reddish’s Legacy and Future

Reddish’s career is a reminder of the dangers of overhyping young talent. As a top high school recruit and lottery pick, he faced immense pressure to become a star. Instead, his journey highlights the importance of health, fit, and development in the NBA. Like many “one-and-done” players, Reddish’s raw talent hasn’t fully translated, but his story is far from over.

What’s Next?

As a free agent, Reddish has a chance to rewrite his narrative. A team willing to invest in his development, perhaps with a focus on a defined role (e.g., defensive stopper with spot-up shooting), could unlock the player many envisioned in 2019. His youth and versatility make him a worthwhile gamble, but he’ll need to stay healthy and embrace a system that maximizes his strengths.

FAQs

Why was Cam Reddish waived? 

The Lakers’ decision to waive Reddish was primarily to create roster space for Jordan Goodwin, who had earned coach JJ Redick’s trust with strong play. Reddish’s career-low production and injury concerns also factored in.

What’s next for Cam Reddish? 

Fans speculate about potential landing spots, with some suggesting teams like the Toronto Raptors or Washington Wizards, who could use a young wing with defensive upside. Others believe a G League stint or overseas play could help him rebuild his value.

Is Cam Reddish a bust? 

This question divides opinions. Critics point to his inconsistent offense and injury history, while supporters argue that his defensive skills and flashes of scoring make him a worthwhile project. His high school and Duke pedigree keep the “bust” label contentious.

How do injuries impact his career? 

Reddish’s injury history, back spasms, ankle issues, and earlier core muscle problems has been a significant barrier. Fans and analysts wonder if improved health could unlock his potential.

Why did the Lakers waive Cam Reddish?

Reddish struggled to find a consistent role in the Lakers’ rotation, averaging 3.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over 33 games in the 2024–25 season. His limited offensive production and the team’s need to bolster their backcourt led to the decision. 

In Summary

Cam Reddish’s basketball journey is a tale of promise, setbacks, and ongoing potential. From his high school dominance to his Duke days and his turbulent NBA career, he’s experienced highs and lows that have shaped his reputation. While his recent waiver from the Lakers marks a low point, it also opens the door for a fresh start. 

At 25, Reddish has time to redefine his career, whether with an NBA team, in the G League, or abroad. Fans remain divided, some see a bust, others a diamond in the rough but one thing is clear: Cam Reddish’s story is still being written, and the basketball world will be watching.

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