Austin Reaves: The Undrafted Gem Of 2021

Let's dive into the story of Austin Reaves, the undrafted player who defied expectations in the 2021 NBA Draft. Every year, the NBA Draft brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few surprises. While the spotlight shines brightly on the top prospects, there are always a handful of players who slip through the cracks, only to later prove their worth on the big stage. Austin Reaves is one such player, and his journey from an overlooked prospect to a valuable contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers is a testament to his hard work, determination, and undeniable talent. Reaves wasn't a name on many mock draft boards, and he didn't have the hype of a lottery pick, but he possessed a unique blend of skills and a relentless work ethic that would ultimately pave his way to the NBA. His story is a reminder that the draft is just the beginning, and that the real work starts when players have to prove themselves against the best in the world. So, how did Austin Reaves go from being undrafted to becoming a key piece for one of the most iconic franchises in basketball? Let's delve into his background, college career, and the events leading up to the 2021 NBA Draft to understand how this diamond in the rough emerged.

The Path to the Draft: Austin Reaves' Background and College Career

Before making waves in the NBA, Austin Reaves honed his skills through a journey that took him from rural Arkansas to the bright lights of college basketball. Reaves' basketball journey began in Newark, Arkansas, where he quickly established himself as a standout player at Cedar Ridge High School. His impressive scoring ability and all-around game made him a local legend, drawing attention from college scouts. After initially committing to Wichita State, Reaves faced a setback when he decided to transfer after his sophomore season. This decision would ultimately lead him to the University of Oklahoma, where he would further refine his game and showcase his talents on a bigger stage. Reaves' time at Oklahoma was marked by significant growth and development. He quickly became a key player for the Sooners, demonstrating his versatility as a scorer, playmaker, and defender.

During his junior year, Reaves averaged 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, proving his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. These numbers showcased his potential to be more than just a scorer, highlighting his court vision and passing skills. In his senior year, Reaves elevated his game even further, averaging 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, hitting clutch shots and making key plays in critical moments. Reaves' performance against top-tier opponents solidified his status as a legitimate NBA prospect, demonstrating that he could compete against the best college players in the country. His growth at Oklahoma was instrumental in preparing him for the challenges of professional basketball. The experience of playing in a competitive conference, facing tough defenses, and carrying a significant offensive load helped him develop the mental and physical toughness required to succeed in the NBA. It was during this time that Reaves began to hone his understanding of the game, improve his decision-making, and refine the skills that would eventually make him a valuable asset at the professional level.

2021 NBA Draft: Why Austin Reaves Went Undrafted

Despite a productive college career, Austin Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, a result that surprised many who had followed his progress. Several factors contributed to this outcome, including concerns about his athleticism, position, and the perception that he lacked a standout skill that would immediately translate to the NBA. One of the primary reasons Reaves went undrafted was due to questions about his athleticism. While he possessed good size and a solid frame, scouts and analysts questioned whether he had the explosiveness and speed necessary to excel against NBA-level athletes. In a league that increasingly values players with elite physical traits, Reaves' perceived lack of athleticism was a significant concern for some teams. Another factor that likely impacted Reaves' draft stock was uncertainty about his ideal position at the NBA level. While he had demonstrated the ability to play both guard positions in college, some scouts questioned whether he was a true point guard or a shooting guard. This positional ambiguity made it difficult for teams to envision how he would fit into their existing rosters and offensive schemes. In a draft that was considered relatively deep, particularly at the guard positions, Reaves faced stiff competition from other prospects who were perceived to have higher ceilings or more clearly defined roles. The combination of positional uncertainty and questions about his athleticism made it difficult for him to stand out in a crowded field. Despite going undrafted, Reaves remained determined to prove his worth and pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. He knew that he would have to work even harder to overcome the perceived shortcomings in his game and demonstrate that he could contribute at the highest level.

The Lakers Opportunity: How Reaves Landed in Los Angeles

After going undrafted, Austin Reaves didn't let disappointment define him. Instead, he seized an opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. Immediately after the 2021 NBA Draft, Reaves and his agent began exploring opportunities to join a team as an undrafted free agent. Several teams expressed interest in Reaves, but the Lakers emerged as the frontrunners due to their need for guard depth and their reputation for developing young talent. The Lakers' interest in Reaves was driven by their evaluation of his skills and potential fit within their system. They saw him as a versatile player who could contribute as a scorer, playmaker, and defender, and they believed that his basketball IQ and work ethic would make him a valuable addition to their roster. After careful consideration, Reaves and his agent decided that the Lakers were the best fit for him, and they agreed to a two-way contract that would allow him to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate. This contract provided Reaves with an opportunity to showcase his skills in a competitive environment and prove that he belonged in the NBA. The Lakers' decision to sign Reaves to a two-way contract was a calculated risk that ultimately paid off handsomely. They recognized his potential and were willing to give him a chance to prove himself, even though he had gone undrafted. This willingness to invest in Reaves' development would prove to be a key factor in his rapid ascent within the organization.

Reaves' Impact on the Lakers: Exceeding Expectations

Austin Reaves quickly exceeded expectations, showcasing his skills and earning a permanent spot on the Lakers' roster. From his scrappy defense to his clutch shooting, Reaves became a fan favorite and a valuable contributor. Reaves made his NBA debut early in the 2021-22 season, and he immediately impressed coaches and teammates with his poise, court awareness, and willingness to do the little things. He quickly earned a reputation as a reliable defender, a smart passer, and a willing shooter, and he began to see his playing time increase as the season progressed. One of the defining moments of Reaves' rookie season came in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, where he hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime. This shot not only secured a victory for the Lakers but also solidified Reaves' reputation as a clutch performer who could be counted on in pressure situations. As Reaves' confidence grew, so did his role within the Lakers' rotation. He became a regular contributor off the bench, providing valuable minutes as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. His ability to play multiple positions and adapt to different roles made him a valuable asset for the team, and he quickly became a favorite of head coach Frank Vogel. Reaves' impact on the Lakers extended beyond his on-court performance. His humble demeanor, positive attitude, and strong work ethic made him a popular figure in the locker room, and he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. His ability to connect with others and contribute to a positive team environment further solidified his place within the organization. By the end of his rookie season, Reaves had firmly established himself as a key member of the Lakers' roster. He had exceeded all expectations and proven that he belonged in the NBA, despite going undrafted. His success story served as an inspiration to other undrafted players and demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination, and a willingness to seize opportunities.

Lessons from Reaves' Journey: Perseverance and Opportunity

Austin Reaves' journey from an undrafted player to a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers offers valuable lessons about perseverance, opportunity, and the importance of believing in oneself. His story is a reminder that the NBA Draft is not the end of the road for aspiring players, and that there are many paths to success in professional basketball. One of the most important lessons from Reaves' journey is the importance of perseverance. Despite facing setbacks and challenges throughout his career, he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NBA. He continued to work hard, refine his skills, and believe in his ability to succeed, even when others doubted him. Another key lesson from Reaves' story is the importance of seizing opportunities. When he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, he could have easily become discouraged and given up on his dream. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to prove himself and worked tirelessly to earn a spot on the Lakers' roster. His willingness to embrace challenges and make the most of every opportunity ultimately led to his success. Reaves' journey also highlights the importance of self-belief. Despite facing questions about his athleticism and position, he never lost faith in his ability to play at the highest level. He believed that his skills, work ethic, and basketball IQ would allow him to overcome his perceived shortcomings and contribute to a winning team. This self-belief was instrumental in his ability to persevere through difficult times and ultimately achieve his goals. Austin Reaves' story is an inspiration to aspiring basketball players everywhere. It demonstrates that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. His journey from an undrafted player to a valuable contributor for the Lakers is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing opportunities. It's a story that will continue to inspire and motivate players for years to come, reminding them that the road to success is not always easy, but it is always worth pursuing.