Austin Reaves’ Impressive NBA Trajectory
Austin Reaves’ trajectory in the NBA has been nothing short of impressive, showing marked improvement each year. Last season, he reached notable averages of 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while playing as the third option for a Los Angeles Lakers squad. The team’s dynamics saw a shift midseason as LeBron James and Anthony Davis were replaced by Luka Doncic and James, which paved the way for Reaves’ current development.
Current Season Performance
This season, at 27 years old, Reaves has taken on a more prominent role, stepping in as the second scoring option behind Doncic, especially during James’ absence. His performance has been remarkable; over the course of seven games, he has posted extraordinary averages of 31.1 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, including impressive shooting figures of 3.0 three-pointers per game and 1.4 steals. Such statistics not only position him for consideration in fantasy leagues as a standout but also suggest he could be in talks for NBA MVP candidacy.
Fantasy Dilemma
Fantasy managers now face a crucial dilemma regarding Reaves: should they seize the opportunity to trade him while his market value is soaring, or should they retain him in hopes of leading their fantasy teams to championship victories?
Performance Analysis
To delve deeper into his performance this season, it’s vital to analyze how Reaves has fared in various roles. When acting as the primary option in the absence of Doncic, he has dazzled with averages of 40.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across three games—a display reminiscent of video game statistics. His efficiency is also notable, shooting 50% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range.
Conversely, as the second option to Doncic across four games, his numbers adjusted to 24.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, with field goal shooting at 47.8% but a decline in three-point accuracy to 28.1%. While these figures come from a limited sample size, several key trends are emerging. Notably, Reaves has not dropped below 21 points in any outing this season, signaling that his scoring is becoming increasingly dependable as he continues to evolve as a player.
Trends and Future Outlook
Furthermore, his rebound and assist numbers have remained stable, yet his scoring and three-point attempts spike when he transitions from a support role to a leading role. This pattern illustrates how his increased usage impacts his overall game, even as assists slightly dip, emphasizing his dual-threat capability as both a scorer and a playmaker.
Intriguingly, compared to his performances as a secondary option, his shooting percentages have notably dipped during those games. This could suggest Reaves thrives on creating his own shots, especially from beyond the arc, rather than simply finishing plays initiated by others. Similarly, it seems he may be more driven defensively in a lead role, where he is more engaged in pursuing steals.
Looking ahead, one must assess what Reaves’ future production might look like once both Doncic and James return to the lineup. With both stars being high-usage players, it’s expected that Reaves’ scoring opportunities may diminish, likely settling back into the 20-point range with around five rebounds and six to seven assists. However, if his early struggles from deep shooting are merely a product of sample size, a return to last season’s shooting efficiency is plausible.
Conclusion
It’s also essential to consider injury concerns surrounding both Doncic and James, which could complicate Reaves’ overall usage as the season progresses. Given the dynamic ceiling we’ve witnessed in Reaves’ performances when tasked with a more significant role, fantasy traders should weigh their options carefully.
For those considering a trade for Reaves, acquiring him at a value that reflects his current averages would be prudent. Conversely, if trade offers do not meet expectations, retaining him could lead to significant returns, especially as his role fluctuates. Reaves’ fantasy stock appears favorable, straddling between maintaining his draft value while showcasing the potential to emerge as a top-10 player in the right circumstances during the ongoing season.
