Last season, undrafted rookie wing Austin Reaves gave Los Angeles Lakers fans a glimmer of hope during an otherwise chaotic and terrible campaign.
He displayed an ability to handle the ball, make plays for others, score a little and even play adequate defense.
So far in the exhibition season this year, Reaves has shown growth, mostly in terms of looking more comfortable and poised on the court.
On Wednesday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, he notched five assists and went 1-of-2 from 3-point land for seven points in 24 minutes.
In L.A.’s second preseason game last week, Reaves had nine assists, as well as seven rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots.
He talked about his new comfort zone on the offensive end and how he’s trying to keep things simple.
Via Lakers Nation:
“Honestly, I think it’s just play basketball and, if open, shoot it. If not, you can put it on the floor and make plays for others as well — which I feel comfortable doing,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve done a decent job in the last four preseason games, just showing I have the capability to put it on the floor and make plays for others as well. But at the end of the day, I’m just going to play basketball. I’m going to try to make the best read every time.”
Reaves added he would like to become more of a primary ballhandler and that such a role is where he’s most comfortable.
As LeBron James continues to accumulate more wear and tear, it becomes more imperative the Lakers develop and utilize multiple ballhandlers and facilitators. Such players need to be able to play up tempo, hit the open man and make good decisions while being pressured and/or playing at the fast pace coach Darvin Ham wants.
With Reaves, Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn and Dennis Schroder, the team has the players it needs to keep James fresh and possibly extend his career a bit.
