Austin Reaves, one of the rising young studs in the NBA right now, has seen himself go from a promising rookie to a budding potential star in just a matter of months.
The 2022-23 season, his second in the league, was a revelatory campaign for him, as he gradually elevated his game as time went on. He was a key part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ unexpected run to the Western Conference Finals, averaging 16.9 points and 4.6 assists a game while shooting 44.3 percent from 3-point range in 16 playoff games.
Several weeks ago, the undrafted guard played very well for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, even though Team USA failed to claim a medal. USA Basketball seems poised to put together an Avengers-style squad for next summer’s Olympics in Paris, and Reaves says if he is called, he will definitely say yes (h/t The Cold Wire).
Austin Reaves keeps it real regarding the 2024 Paris Olympics.
(via @mcten) pic.twitter.com/O4ZED6nLU9
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 13, 2023
Many feel Reaves is poised to make another big leap this season, and so far in the exhibition season, he has looked very sharp and efficient. On Friday against the Golden State Warriors, he was second on the Lakers in scoring with 16 points while shooting 6-of-9 from the field and adding three assists and two steals.
