The Atlanta Hawks are coming off a strong 2020-21 campaign that even saw them make the Eastern Conference Finals. A lot penciled in Atlanta as a playoff team before the start of last season, but not many would have predicted them to come two wins away from making the NBA Finals. This upcoming season, the expectations for them are understandably higher. But taking that next step could prove to be a major challenge with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets holding down their standing as the East's elite.

The Hawks will need some of their young guys to step up and take a leap this 2021-22 season. So far, it seems like Cam Reddish will be the most likely breakout candidate with the way he stood out for Atlanta during training camp.

A lot of Hawks fans are bullish on Reddish's star potential and for good reason. The 22-year-old is entering this season with a lot to prove, especially after an injury-riddled sophomore campaign that saw him appear in just 26 games due to an Achilles injury.

Reddish did return in the Eastern Conference Finals and put up decent numbers that led many Hawks fans to believe that big things are coming for the young wing this campaign. The former Duke star averaged 12.8 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 64.3 percent from long range in those four games. While that may be a small sample size, the fact that he played well in the East Finals after missing so much time due to injury suggests he isn't fazed and ready for the bright lights.

Reddish certainly doesn't lack confidence. That definitely didn't look the case when he dropped 21 points and made six 3-pointers in their do-or-die Game 6 loss to the Bucks, which ended their season.

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Nonetheless, Reddish felt the need to get back to his roots in order to rediscover his “old self.” In this feature article by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Reddish reportedly went back to his hometown of Norristown, Pennsylvania this offseason. It is there where he spent much of his summer training as a way to regain the form he had as the country's no. 2 recruit in the class of 2018.

According to Kirschner, Reddish spent a lot of time working on his shooting and ball-handling. The 6-foot-8 wing knows that he will need to improve from beyond the arc in order to have a positive impact for the Hawks this year. It also helps Reddish's case that he entered training camp in full health. He looked spry and showcased a more confident outside stroke.

Only time will tell if Reddish can actually have a breakout campaign. The early preseason returns have been a mixed bag to say the least. He top-scored with 20 points and played well defensively, nabbing five steals, in their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. However, he did have some shooting struggles early, which was also due to some questionable shot selections in the game.

Still, Hawks head coach Nate McMillan will continue to evaluate what kind of role Reddish will have for them this season. He still has ways to improve, particularly with how he reads the game. However, there's no denying that he has put in the work. It should only be a matter of time before he figures it out and takes off.