2021 NBA Draft: 3 hidden gems to watch for in this year’s class

Austin Reaves, G, Oklahoma

Reaves is probably the most popular draft prospect we’ve looked at thus far, but that isn’t saying much. Reaves is only ranked as the No. 43 player on ESPN’s Big Board.

This means that he would be a mid-second-round pick, which makes sense due to his age and seemingly low ceiling. However, Reaves could play a Kevin Huerter-type role for a team, a shot-creating two-guard off the bench, which proved valuable for the Atlanta Hawks in their run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Reaves averaged 18.3 points per game at Oklahoma, along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. He’s a confident, creative offensive player with a nice-looking jump shot, despite the percentages. His shoot looked much improved at the NBA Draft Combine as well. He can be a playmaker out of the two-spot as well, having a good feel for the game and constantly making the right passes.

Reaves might not touch the first round due to the fact that he spent a little more time in college, but his high floor makes him ready to play right away for a playoff team. You can never have enough scoring, which is what he can give you off the bench. Reaves has a great chance to carve out a role for himself in the NBA.