Austin Reaves of the Lakers is compared to an undrafted Hall of Famer by a Western Conference executive.

In the world of professional basketball, there are few stories as compelling as that of Austin Reaves. The Los Angeles Lakers guard, once an undrafted rookie, has slowly but surely transformed into one of the NBA’s most promising young players. Despite being overlooked by every team in the league during the 2021 NBA Draft, Reaves has blossomed into a pivotal figure in the Lakers’ lineup, contributing not only with his scoring but also with his playmaking, leadership, and versatility. As Reaves continues to carve out a name for himself in the NBA, comparisons to other players—especially legendary ones—are beginning to emerge, with one Western Conference executive drawing a striking parallel between Reaves and an undrafted Hall of Famer.

This comparison is intriguing for several reasons. For one, it highlights just how far Reaves has come, given that he wasn’t even a first-round pick, let alone a lottery pick. But perhaps more importantly, it raises the question of what makes Reaves’ skill set so special and why he has been able to thrive where others have faltered. To explore this comparison and the path that has brought Austin Reaves to this point, we’ll examine his rise through the ranks of professional basketball, his on-court impact, and the remarkable similarities between him and one of the most respected undrafted players in NBA history.

The Undrafted Journey

Austin Reaves’ basketball journey has been anything but conventional. Hailing from Newark, Arkansas, Reaves began his collegiate career at Wichita State before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where he gained widespread recognition for his outstanding play. During his time with the Sooners, Reaves was a standout player, averaging 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game during his senior season. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team and made him one of the most intriguing guard prospects for the NBA.

However, despite his college success, Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. This was a surprise to many who had seen his impressive all-around game and the potential he displayed during his time at Oklahoma. Nevertheless, the Lakers saw something special in Reaves and signed him to a two-way contract, giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the NBA.

It didn’t take long for Reaves to make an impact. He quickly earned a regular spot in the Lakers’ rotation, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively caught the eye of coaches and teammates alike. His mix of scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ gave the Lakers a much-needed boost, especially with injuries to key players such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In a short span, Reaves established himself as more than just a role player—he became an integral part of the Lakers’ success.

Reaves’ Versatility and Growth

What has made Reaves so valuable to the Lakers is his versatility. He’s not just a one-dimensional player who can shoot the ball; he is a highly skilled guard who can do a little bit of everything. Reaves is adept at creating his own shot, whether off the dribble or by finishing at the rim. He has an advanced understanding of spacing and timing, which allows him to thrive as both a scorer and a facilitator in pick-and-roll situations.

Moreover, Reaves’ playmaking ability has allowed him to step in as a secondary ball handler alongside LeBron James, helping to take some of the load off the four-time NBA champion. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he’s proven capable of reading defenses and making the right decisions in high-pressure moments. His composure under pressure and willingness to take on big responsibilities have made him a favorite among his teammates and a crucial part of the Lakers’ offensive schemes.

Defensively, Reaves has shown that he is more than capable of holding his own. Although he doesn’t have the elite athleticism of some of the league’s best defenders, Reaves more than makes up for it with his positioning, anticipation, and effort. He’s a smart defender who can guard multiple positions, and his tenacity often leads to key steals and deflections.

As the Lakers continued their playoff run, Reaves only elevated his game. In the postseason, his ability to hit clutch shots, make key plays, and contribute across the board was pivotal in helping the Lakers make a deep run. He proved that he could perform on the biggest stage, earning the respect of not just Lakers fans but the wider NBA community.

The Comparison to an Undrafted Hall of Famer

It was during this meteoric rise that a Western Conference executive made a fascinating comparison between Reaves and one of the greatest undrafted players in NBA history: Ben Wallace. Wallace, a former Detroit Pistons center, was never drafted into the NBA, yet he became one of the most dominant defensive players of his era, earning four Defensive Player of the Year awards and an NBA championship with the Pistons in 2004.

Wallace’s journey to the NBA was a long and difficult one. He spent time in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before eventually signing with the Pistons, where he became a cornerstone of their defense. Despite being undersized for a center, Wallace’s relentless work ethic, tenacity, and ability to impact the game in numerous ways made him a Hall of Famer. His success was defined not by flashy stats but by his grit, leadership, and willingness to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor.

The comparison between Reaves and Wallace may seem unlikely at first glance, given their different positions and styles of play. Wallace was a center known for his rebounding and shot-blocking, while Reaves is a guard who excels at scoring and playmaking. However, the comparison is rooted in their shared paths to success: both players were undrafted, both had to work hard to earn their place in the NBA, and both became essential pieces to championship-contending teams through their versatility, leadership, and willingness to contribute in any way possible.

In many ways, Reaves embodies some of the qualities that made Wallace so successful: determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improving. Like Wallace, Reaves has demonstrated that he’s not afraid to put in the work, no matter how long it takes, and that his value to a team goes beyond just putting up numbers. His willingness to step up in critical moments, his adaptability to play various roles, and his ability to make his teammates better all make him an invaluable asset to the Lakers.

What the Future Holds for Reaves

As Reaves continues to develop and refine his game, the future looks incredibly bright for the young guard. While it’s still early in his career, the comparisons to Ben Wallace—though unconventional—highlight just how much potential Reaves has. If he continues to improve and maintain his high level of play, there’s no reason why he can’t evolve into one of the league’s best two-way players.

The Lakers’ success in the coming years will likely depend, in part, on Reaves’ growth and ability to handle increased responsibilities. With LeBron James not getting any younger and the team in transition, Reaves could very well become a focal point of the Lakers’ future. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend at a high level could make him one of the best all-around guards in the NBA.

Moreover, the lessons that Reaves has learned along the way—about overcoming adversity, proving doubters wrong, and stepping up when needed—will serve him well as he faces new challenges. His journey, much like that of Ben Wallace, could serve as a blueprint for others who find themselves overlooked or undervalued but possess the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level.

Austin Reaves’ story is one of perseverance, hard work, and proving the doubters wrong. His rise from undrafted rookie to key player for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history is a testament to his talent, resilience, and basketball IQ. As Reaves continues to develop into a well-rounded player, comparisons to Hall of Famers like Ben Wallace will only grow more frequent, as they underscore just how special and impactful his journey has been.

The comparison may seem unconventional, but it speaks to Reaves’ unique ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether he ultimately reaches the level of a Hall of Famer like Wallace remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Reaves has already shown the kind of qualities that can elevate a player from undrafted afterthought to one of the league’s brightest young stars.