I’ve said it more than once over the last two years…Reaves is an NBA talent. The inconsistency of his outside shot at OU was the only question in my mind…but you don’t shoot 45%+ from there like he did at WSU w/o being a good shooter.
He’s a solid backup PG in the league…who could even start at some point in his career. I wish him nothing but the best! Making an NBA roster is all about fit…and being a little fortunate. I hope he gets picked up/drafted by the right team.
Two factors on why his shooting percentage suffered once he arrived at OU, and one didn't help the other:
- They moved the 3 PT line back to international distance.
- AR didn't shoot in rhythm as much at OU.
At WSU, he was more of a spot-up shooter, at a shorter distance. At OU, he shot more on the move and didn't have his shoulders square and feet set as much. Part of it was due to having to create his own shot more, part of it was our offense. Some, lack of surrounding talent. He didn't always have the best shot selection, forced shots at times, and often had to throw something up at the end of the clock with a defender in his grill. All of these factors, combined with the distance, IMO, impacted his percentage. Like it was said, he could still shoot FTs extremely well so he still had the shot when he could get set and slow down his motion. You can see his mechanics are still very good- he didn't forget how to shoot- he just needs to find better shots.
These camps and workouts will be a huge deal in determining if he gets picked and can make a roster. If he shows a shot, consistently, can show his ball handling skills, and show some good lateral skill times, he has a good chance. AR will not have the measurables and no one will look at him and say, "Wow, look at that guy, what an athlete". But AR has grit and is a baller. I think he will pass the tests on ball handling and shooting, so his biggest challenge will be what position he plays and guards. He has to convince scouts he can fit.
I compare him a lot to Shake Milton. Shake was a good shooter but not exceptional out of SMU. Not overly athletic. Good but not crafty at ball handling. But also at 6'5" and around the same weight, he showed he was good enough and made a roster. His first year he bounced up and down, even back and forth to the G League, but toward the end of his rookie year, he started getting a few minutes. Now, he is the 6th-8th man, sometimes starter.
I could see Austin forging the same path if the right team gives him a spot.
