The 2024-25 season didn't go as planned for the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pels finished fourth-worst in the NBA, dealt with a ton of injuries, and rostered 25 different players throughout last season. But there was a silver lining as all these injuries allowed different rookies to get opportunities. One of those guys was Antonio Reeves. The 6'5" wing was drafted 47th overall last off-season by the Orlando Magic before being dealt to the Pels instantly. Expectations were low as a 2nd round pick, but Reeves blew the Pels away with his elite three-point shooting and offensive skillset.
Reeves spent five seasons in college and came into the NBA as a mature rookie at 24 years old. His maturity is evident in his game. Reeves plays very smart with the basketball in his hands, and I believe he has earned the trust of Head Coach Willie Green. With him having the trust of his Head Coach, I believe Reeves is due for a huge sophomore season.
A great connective piece
Reeves appeared in 44 games during his rookie campaign. Posting averages of 6.9 points per game, 1.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists, while shooting an efficient 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from deep. To start the season, Reeves found himself as a guy sitting in the corner, who had others create for him off of drive and kicks, but as the season progressed, so did he.
Antonio benefited from the Dejounte Murray injury, as this forced Reeves to have more responsibility as a ball handler and offensive initiator. Outside of initiating the offense, he also showed that he can do more than shoot threes. Reeves displayed great ability as a cutter and someone who can create space off the ball. Reeves made opposing defenses pay for overcommitting, as he would drive past them and finish at the rim.
The proof is in the pudding with Reeves. Over the last month of his rookie season, his stats jumped tremendously, showing his growth in his first year in the NBA. In the Pels' final seven games, Reeves played 33.3 minutes a night. In these increased minutes, Reeves posted 16.6 points per game with 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. These final seven games of the year showed that, outside of his skillset, growing his confidence had too.
Reeves's progress over his rookie season is encouraging and leads me to believe he will have a huge year 2. At minimum, Reeves will be a quality connective piece because of his incredible 3-point shooting ability and ability to get open off the ball. But if he is trusted to help run the Pelicans' second unit next year, he will get to show off just how much of an offensive threat he is.