Austin Reaves has emerged as a standout success story not just for the Los Angeles Lakers, but for the entire NBA. Averaging 23.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season, Reaves' journey from undrafted rookie to a key player is nothing short of remarkable.
When Reaves declared for the 2021 NBA Draft, he went unnoticed, eventually landing with the Lakers who saw potential where others did not. In his rookie season, Reaves quickly proved his worth, playing in 61 games and starting 19 of them. His rise from an undrafted free agent to a crucial part of the Lakers’ rotation is a testament to both his talent and the Lakers' keen eye for development.
LeBron James offered his take on why Reaves slipped through the draft cracks. “You know why [Reaves wasn't drafted].
You know how that goes. People judge a book by its cover.
I saw the talent. There’s no way he should have gone undrafted,” James shared on the Mind The Game podcast.
Reaves himself provided a more analytical perspective on his draft experience. He noted that beyond the top 15 picks, teams often swing for the fences, looking for younger prospects.
At 22, Reaves was considered an older rookie, which might have made teams hesitant. However, his development has shown that age shouldn't overshadow talent, and teams might need to rethink their strategies to avoid missing out on players like him in the future.
Reaves’ story is a reminder that talent can thrive when given the right opportunity, and his journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance and skill.