Austin Reaves has become a significant asset in fantasy basketball this season, consistently showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on the court. He has notched fewer than 21 points in any game so far. This type of consistency is what has made him such a reliable option for fantasy managers. With these gaudy averages and some pretty great individual performances, many are wondering if now is the time to start seriously pursuing a trade for him.
Reaves has showed his potential as a second, and now first option, on the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s put up 24.5 points, 8.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds per game in helping to balance the roster around star player Luka Doncic. Whenever Doncic missed time, the 6’6” Reaves shouldered much more responsibility. For good measure, he averaged an astounding 40.0 ppg, 10.0 apg and 5.3 rpg during that stretch. His versatility, though, has opened him up to a conundrum for those lucky enough to roster him in fantasy.
Consistent Performance Under Pressure
Austin Reaves has excelled in the clutch this season, particularly during his team’s time without a backup point guard. While serving as the second option behind Doncic, he maintained consistent numbers, averaging 24.5 points along with solid contributions in assists and rebounds. His two-way play has been consistent, demonstrating that he doesn’t need to be the first scoring option to play at a high level.
When he moved to being the first option with Doncic unavailable, Reaves stepped up his game to another level. He did so at an incredible average of 40.0 points-per-game across those three games. Along with that, he dramatically upped his responsibilities as a playmaker and rebounder. His shooting percentages reflect his adaptability. He shot 47.8% from the field overall and displayed strong perimeter shooting in some games at 41.4% from beyond the arc.
Outside of the increase in offensive role, Reaves has continued to keep his rebounding and assist numbers consistent, if not a tick up. This level of consistency bodes well for him as he attempts to tackle the dual responsibility of scoring while facilitating for teammates at a high level.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The numbers being put up by Austin Reaves paint the picture of a player in the midst of a breakout season and growing into an emerging, secondary star. Sockalexis to take it out through seven games this season, he’s scored 31.1 points per game, along with 9.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds. He has shot up his scoring volume and 3-point attempts dramatically. His turnovers have increased as he makes the transition from a secondary role to a primary one.
As Reaves navigates his role within the team, it is expected that his offensive production will eventually find a balance between last season’s performance and his current output as a second option. This promised tweak could make him even more fascinating in fantasy leagues as managers process the possibility of making a splashy trade.
Further, his recent shooting percentages are likely to level out closer to his first season’s averages as he finds his footing in the role. The overall trend indicates that while he may not maintain his current scoring pace indefinitely, he will remain a valuable asset for those drafting or trading players in fantasy basketball.
Considerations for Fantasy Managers
For fantasy managers considering a trade for Austin Reaves, there are a few things to consider. His dazzling scoring ability makes for must-see television. His ability to defend multiple positions and play off-ball with tremendous movement on offense makes him a tantalizing prospect. His track record of playing many different spots on the team’s unit has only further increased the unpredictability factor. That inconsistency raises questions about his long-term production.
Now at 27 years old, Reaves is carrying that over into the prime of his career. Indeed, we’re excited to see him assume larger leadership roles as the season progresses. When it comes to player performance in fantasy basketball, expectations can fall flat. Therefore, think long and hard about any trade opportunities involving Reaves before pulling the trigger.
Leave a Reply