From Undrafted Free Agent, To Playing For A Gold Medal. Austin Reaves Crazy Turnaround
In 2021, Austin Reaves, a determined guard hailing from Wichita State, faced the disappointing reality of going undrafted. However, his resilience and unwavering self-belief would soon pave the way for a remarkable journey in the storied realm of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise.
Fast forward to 2023, and Reaves' breakout year with the Lakers showcased his undeniable talent and potential. Averaging an impressive 13 points and 3 rebounds per game, he left an indelible mark on the court, culminating in a career-high of 35 points in March of that year. His relentless contributions and on-court prowess led to a well-deserved accolade: a new 4-year contract with the Lakers, an enviable deal worth almost 54 million.
Reflecting on his journey, Reaves humbly remarked, "I always felt like this was possible for me, maybe if no one else believed it, I believed in myself to go out there; that was the main thing for me. I got an opportunity, and I knew I'd go figure it out, whether it was defense or diving on the floor for loose balls. I was gonna find a way to get on the court, so for me, it was kind of believable, but a lot of everybody else wondered how it happened."
Indeed, Reaves' success story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of self-belief and determination. Throughout his journey, he proved that it's not where you start but how you rise to the occasion when given the chance. His unwavering faith in his abilities allowed him to seize the opportunity presented to him by the Lakers, securing a spot in their prestigious roster.
Yet, Reaves' achievements did not end there. His extraordinary performance on the court garnered the attention of the national basketball community, resulting in an invitation to represent Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. This honor, seldom bestowed upon undrafted players, attests to the extraordinary impact he has made in the world of basketball.
As Reaves takes the court donning the revered Team USA jersey, he carries with him the dreams of countless aspiring athletes who face similar odds. His journey reminds us that no matter the challenges or doubts that may arise, believing in oneself can make the seemingly impossible, possible.