Seeing how Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has developed as a guard over the last few years is an impressive feat. When he signed on a two-way contract as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Reaves was a hustle, energy guy and eventually earned the respect of former head coach Frank Vogel.
Once more opportunities presented themselves, the undrafted guard took advantage and the Lakers began to see his value as a rotational piece. Across Darvin Ham and JJ Redick’s stints as head coach, they have both empowered Reaves to continue to grow as an on-ball creator and scorer.
To begin this season, the 27-year-old put up All-Star caliber numbers with averages of 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists. A key part of his game is his ability to draw fouls and a fellow young star in Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers took note of Reaves’ ability to attack downhill.
With Haliburton looking to expand his game, he noted that he has been watching the Arkansas native’s film to learn how to draw contact from defenders, he told LeBron James on the “Mind the Game” podcast:
“I think AR is the perfect example. The way that he is so physical and can get to the free throw line. And I remember when we were at the World Cup together, I used to always be like, ‘Bruh, I don’t understand how you shoot all these free throws. Like, I’m a point guard, I play 40 minutes a game, I play way more than you and I can’t even touch the free throw line.’ He’s like, ‘Tyrese, I don’t think you’re doing a good job of getting into guys’ bodies.’ He was real honest with me and I didn’t understand it at the time. But as I’ve watched you guys play more, I watch him play more, I’m seeing the way he does such a great job of getting to chest, tangling arms, making all these perfect reads to get to the free throw line is just something I’m really trying to focus on adding through rehab and as I watch the game.”
A key part to these star-caliber players getting easy points at the line is by initiating contact, like going at a player’s chest. It typically warrants a reaction of the defender fouling or giving off the illusion of a foul happening, caused by the opposing player.
Reaves is not the only player mastered the craft of drawing fouls as many of the top players in the league know how to make a referee blow their whistle. For Haliburton to want to study him is pretty cool though, and the two built a close relationship when they played together on Team USA in the FIBA World Cup in the summer of 2023.
Jazz among potential Austin Reaves free agent suitors
Reaves is set to test free agency this offseason and although he wants to return to the Lakers, he is in for a massive pay day. There will be no shortage of suitors for Reaves, and one that has already emerged is the Utah Jazz.
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