Austin Reaves - NBA Combine

[Eielson]

Not sure what you disagree with because you would rather contribute to this conversation without providing any real input. I said “type” very clearly.

Big, crafty guard who can score in a variety of ways and uses his offensive abilities to stick in the league — that journeyman who plays for half a dozen teams and contributed along the way. Did not say he was going to be A-Crossover.

Is Steve Blake a more palatable name?

Yes, I like the White Mamba comparison better. I do not see him as a legendary streetballer with one of the best crossovers of all-time.

 

[WaymanFan]

That would be great if he makes it! The 2nd round is hit-or-miss. We had a couple of hits over the past 30 years with Brent Price and Eduardo Najera. I really thought a few others would make it on a roster such as Romero Osby and Nate Erdmann.

For those who remember Nate Erdmann at OU (who played a similar role in college), what does Reaves have that he didn't? Austin might handle the ball a little better, but I'm not sure what other advantages he would have. I didn't play in high school or college, so I know a lot of you can more easily pick out their differences.

 

[MJSooner]

That would be great if he makes it! The 2nd round is hit-or-miss. We had a couple of hits over the past 30 years with Brent Price and Eduardo Najera. I really thought a few others would make it on a roster such as Romero Osby and Nate Erdmann.

For those who remember Nate Erdmann at OU (who played a similar role in college), what does Reaves have that he didn't? Austin might handle the ball a little better, but I'm not sure what other advantages he would have. I didn't play in high school or college, so I know a lot of you can more easily pick out their differences.

If you are drafted in the second round, particularly mid to late as AR is projected at best, it is all dependent on the team that drafts you and their roster. No guaranteed contracts so it truly is hit or miss.

As far as the comparisons, the first obvious one is Erdmann was a LOT more athletic. Much quicker and had incredible hops for a 6'5" guard. As far as the differences in the game, it might not be apples to oranges comparison just based on the style of the coaches they played under. AR would have never seen the floor with his shot selection if he played under Kelvin, and Erdmann had to be, and was, a better defender and rebounder as a result of playing under Kelvin. Because of the better shot selection, and shorter distance, it is probably why Erdmann was a better 3PT shooter than Austin. Worse at the line, so it wasn't just ability or mechanics. Austin is a better ball handler, better at the line, and has better vision, but Erdmann more physical, more disciplined, and better on both ends of the floor and rebounding. But again, in the systems they played under, the offense under LK is almost entirely perimeter-based or originated than Kelvin's.

Because AR played in a system more perimeter-based and guard-oriented, as the NBA has become, he has a better chance than Erdmann did at making a roster. The biggest difference is athleticism but not a bad comparison

 

[WichitaSooner]

If you are drafted in the second round, particularly mid to late as AR is projected at best, it is all dependent on the team that drafts you and their roster. No guaranteed contracts so it truly is hit or miss.

As far as the comparisons, the first obvious one is Erdmann was a LOT more athletic. Much quicker and had incredible hops for a 6'5" guard. As far as the differences in the game, it might not be apples to oranges comparison just based on the style of the coaches they played under. AR would have never seen the floor with his shot selection if he played under Kelvin, and Erdmann had to be, and was, a better defender and rebounder as a result of playing under Kelvin. Because of the better shot selection, and shorter distance, it is probably why Erdmann was a better 3PT shooter than Austin. Worse at the line, so it wasn't just ability or mechanics. Austin is a better ball handler, better at the line, and has better vision, but Erdmann more physical, more disciplined, and better on both ends of the floor and rebounding. But again, in the systems they played under, the offense under LK is almost entirely perimeter-based or originated than Kelvin's.

Because AR played in a system more perimeter-based and guard-oriented, as the NBA has become, he has a better chance than Erdmann did at making a roster. The biggest difference is athleticism but not a bad comparison

What makes you conclude Nate was a better rebounder? Reaves led the team in rebounding as a point guard this season. Also, it isn’t accurate to say he is projected as mid to late second “at best.” He is in the top half of multiple mocks, as high as the first pick of round two. His athleticism is also better than some suggest. As to the discipline and shot selection, that, as you suggest, is a product of the system. Reaves played very much within the defined role that he had at WSU. So I don’t think any NBA team would assume he is undisciplined.

 

[WaymanFan]

Thanks for the reply and detailed comparison, MJ. I knew it was not apples-apples, but it was the best comparison to Reaves I could think of.

 

[WaymanFan]

We really went through almost a decade with only really 1 player contributing from Oklahoma at all in the NBA and that was mostly a role bench player with Eduardo Najera.

While that was a tough stretch for NBA Sooners, here's an interesting, albeit useless stat. Did you know OU has had at least one representative in the NBA for every season since 1970? I'm sure there are about 20 other schools who can make that same claim, but it's fair to point out OU NEVER had a player step onto court in an NBA game prior to 1970. I know they had a couple of ABA players prior to 1970 (Don Sidle for certain), but never an NBA player.

 

[BoulderSooner]

Erdmann was 6'5 with shoes .. he was 24 at the start of his pro season

he was a really really good college player .. but he was not a PG in any way

he was an undersized 2 his Ast/Tov ration was almost 1:1

and he did not have a great handle ..

 

[sanguinetti]

Eduardo had a nice "2nd" career as a 3 point shooter/physical guy/run the O out of the post with the Nuggets.

he and Iverson had a nice pass chemistry. living in Boulder, i watched almost all the Nugs games with a neighbor back then. Minus Najera and AI.....they were pretty unlikable with Kenyon Martin, Carmelo, bad shot taking JR Smith.

but i liked Ed and Iverson were good.

 

[WTSooner]

OU hasn't gotten better at recruiting or player development, we've just been really lucky to have Blake and TY in our backyard. Buddy was a nice find/development though.

We'll have moved forward when we can get some solid NBA contributors from outside the OKC area on a semi-regular basis. That feels like something that should be attainable for our program.

 

[MJSooner]

What makes you conclude Nate was a better rebounder? Reaves led the team in rebounding as a point guard this season. Also, it isn’t accurate to say he is projected as mid to late second “at best.” He is in the top half of multiple mocks, as high as the first pick of round two. His athleticism is also better than some suggest. As to the discipline and shot selection, that, as you suggest, is a product of the system. Reaves played very much within the defined role that he had at WSU. So I don’t think any NBA team would assume he is undisciplined.

Look, I am a BIG AR fan, though he drove me crazy with his hero ball he played too many times. I hope he does very well not only because I am rooting for him but because of what it means to the program. But what makes me think Nate was a better rebounder, or the draft projections have him mid to late second round? One, my eyes, and two, the stats and scouts.

Yes, Austin led the team in rebounding his senior year as a PG. But my eyes tell me Erdmann was better at bodying up and boxing out and going after the ball than AR. A lot of Austin's boards, by the nature of today's game, were long missed jumpers. The hard stats would tell you they were about the same. Austin averaged 5.5 RPG out of 35.7 TRB. Erdmann averaged 5.6 RPG his senior year out of 35.1 TRB. A slight edge to Erdmann but basically even. But Erdmann was second on the team to Eduardo, and also had Bobby Jo Evans, Lou Moore, Evan Wiley, Corey Brewer, and Renzi Stone on that team. To pull down 5.6 out of that group, besides the eye test, to me is more impressive than AR outrebounding Brady, Mo Gibson, Harkless, Harmon, Kur, and Jalen Hill. With that said, Austin is a good rebounding guard, better than most, but I think Erdmann was better.

As far as draft projections, Hoops Prospects has him going #56, SI.com has him going #45, USAToday has him going #48, NBADraft.net, has him going undrafted, NBAScouting has him going late 2nd round to undrafted, CBS Sports has him going #56. Tankathon has him at #59. The best I have seen is #41 by ESPN/Draft Express. I have not seen any national draft projection with him at #31 or #32, nor have I seen multiple mocks with him 30-45. Maybe I have overlooked them. Also, if you look at the scouting on him, there is a consensus theme against him- not overly athletic, questionable quickness to guard opponents, not a great first step, streaky shooter, and his age. However, as I said in my earlier post, I think AR is a baller with great will and can make it IF the right team gives him a chance.

I am rooting for Austin, but one can also root for him and speak to his deficiencies which we all have seen for the last two years, which may impact whether or not he makes the league.

 

[BoulderSooner]

NBADraft.net, has him going undrafted

this is a fan site . and should not be listed with the others



i will also at that the DraftExpress guys (who now are the ESPN draft experts)

have been the best at this for a long time now ..

 

[vbdad]

All guards have more rebounds than in the past with the spread out floor and lack of big guys on the court. Most college teams play at most one big guy and frequently he isn't really a big. It's much easier for a guard to get a loose ball bouncing out or even going down low and rebounding.
AR is a very good ballplayer and in the right situation could make a team. He reminds me of Ty Jerome with the Thunder who was a first round pick and traded a year later. Clearly not a star but a role player. AR wasn't as good in college and probably won't be as a pro but being taken late in second round or free agent he could find the end of a bench with a break or two.

 

[WichitaSooner]

NBADraft.net, has him going undrafted

this is a fan site . and should not be listed with the others



i will also at that the DraftExpress guys (who now are the ESPN draft experts)

have been the best at this for a long time now ..

Correct. And USA Today is the one that had him as the first pick of round two. I should have specified that in my previous post.

 

[Soonerinkc]

doubt he'll be a "super star" but damn...I can't think of too many other cool ways to make a living...

Even the 12th guy makes some serious cash...for playing a game. (I doubt he's the 12th guy just sayin)

 

[allday92]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/1408214244240150530?s=20[/TWEET]

Didn't get a chance to watch the scrimmage from the combine yesterday, but it looks like Austin did what teams will want out of a backup PG.

 

[MJSooner]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/1408214244240150530?s=20[/TWEET]

Didn't get a chance to watch the scrimmage from the combine yesterday, but it looks like Austin did what teams will want out of a backup PG.

Great summary by Vecenie. I did get a chance to watch it and I too was surprised AR didn't shoot the ball like we are used to seeing. I thought he would at least take good shots, maybe not forcing it as much as at OU, but search for open looks.

Instead, he was truly a PG. He would drive and dish. He would wait for cuts to feed the ball. He was constantly talking to and praising his teammates. As far as handles, even the broadcast team talked about his ability to beat pressure with the dribble. He clearly came to camp to show he could play point and, offensively, he looked pretty good. He did struggle a bit defensively with his quickness or lateral movement in staying face up on guys. He tried to overcome it with his size and strength by bodying up more. That might work in a scrimmage, but with guys like Trae, Harden, CP3, Westbrook, etc, they will blow by him or draw fouls. But hey, his effort to guard someone was more than 90% of the league.

I was impressed with Austin, if nothing more than his discipline and maturity to be better and show what is needed to get drafted. Good first showing.

 

[BoulderSooner]

Reaves now #44 to the NETS in todays ESPN.com mock draft update ..

 

[BoulderSooner]

a few highlights from the combine ..

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1407449324905287692?s=20[/TWEET]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1407414979968524291?s=20[/TWEET]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1408152938812428299?s=20[/TWEET]

 

[NMSooner'80]

If Reaves somehow landed in the Thunder's lap, I might start caring about them. OKC has never signed or drafted an OU product, so they mainly get yawns from me until then.

 

[StoopsBros]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1411014668315938818[/TWEET]