Former Duke Star, First-Round Pick Abruptly Exits NBA Before Season

The move comes as a surprise, as Reddish is still relatively early in his career. While he hasn’t fully lived up to expectations set when he was drafted in the top ten by the Atlanta Hawks, he has carved out a role on every team he’s been with.

However, injuries have hampered his development, limiting his ability to find rhythm and consistency on the court. The most games he has played in a single season is 58, which came during his rookie year.

Reddish averaged 10 or more points in each of his three seasons with the Hawks before stints with the New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 254 career games, he has made 116 starts but has seen offensive production decline, despite stepping into a primary defensive role during his time in Los Angeles. Last season, he averaged just 3.2 points per game across 33 games, leading the Lakers to waive him on March 27 to open a roster spot for Jordan Goodwin.

Now a free agent, Reddish’s NBA options clearly appear limited, prompting his decision to play overseas. The move could be a blessing in disguise, giving him a chance to regain confidence, refine his game, and capitalize on the remaining upside in his basketball career.