Austin Reaves’ ascension from undrafted rookie to NBA role player to playoff closer in the span of just two seasons shouldn’t be overlooked for its uncommonness. Let the record state: that is hard to do!
With success, however, also comes expectations. A byproduct of Reaves’ rapid climb is the assumption that not only are there more rungs remaining, but he’ll keep rising.
The biggest step the guard took last year, specifically during the Lakers’ Western Conference Finals run, came in his on-ball evolution. After primarily working off-the-ball next to the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Reaves swiftly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches as he made the most of every on-ball rep he was allotted.