2021 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 60 prospects
G. Sooners . Austin Reaves. 42. player. 464.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 42. Austin Reaves, Oklahoma
A five-year college player who spent two seasons with Wichita State and two seasons with Oklahoma with a redshirt in between, Austin Reaves has the DNA of a productive backup guard. He’s a nifty playmaker with, at times, absurd shot-making confidence. He plays with heart, and was a big source of offense for the Sooners.
Reaves’ limited athleticism is a concern. He plays firmly below the rim, and lacks explosiveness off the dribble. He could have trouble generating space against NBA defenders. Even so, he’s a great pull-up shooter with a misleading 3-point percentage that will surely improve in the NBA. He’s good value as soon as the second round commences.
F. Crimson Tide . Herbert Jones. 41. player. 523.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 41. Herbert Jones, Alabama
A versatile 6-foot-6 wing who can hang his hat on defense, Herbert Jones should have no shortage of suitors in the second round. He can defend all over the floor, with enough lateral quickness to stifle guards, and the length to combat bigger wings. He combines that with a smart, well-rounded approach to offense, even if he suffers from a few key limitations.
Jones can handle the ball in spurts, with an impressive passing acumen and real upside as an explosive finisher around the basket. He can move the ball, and move without it, thriving in a glue-guy role. That said, his rigid shooting stroke is easy for defenses to ignore, which can throw a wrench into some of his possessions.