HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the New Orleans Pelicans have waived Antonio Reeves. This move is a terrible one and shows that Joe Dumars has an issue with identifying talent. Many look at what Reeves did for the Pelicans last season as empty stats, someone who simply took advantage of the stars being out to fill the stat sheet, but this couldn't be further from the truth.
He averaged 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from three. To start the season, Reeves found himself as someone who was forced to sit in the corner and come off screens, but as the season progressed, so did he. Reeves showed head coach Willie Green flashes of being able to be a capable ball handler early, and once he was given more opportunity, he ran with it.
Towards the end of the season, he was this team's primary initiator on offense, and in his final seven games, he was incredible. Reeves played 33.3 minutes per night, and in these increased minutes, he posted 16.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Reeves is the prototypical player for the modern NBA
Even though Reeves doesn't project long-term as a primary facilitator or initiator of an offense, that type of ability is just another skill that adds value to his game. At 6'5", Reeves is the prototypical wing in the modern NBA. At 24 years old, he shot 39.5% from three on over two attempts a game. He has good length and is a good defender. We just saw in the NBA finals that you need to either be a good defender or a good shooter to stay on the court, and Reeves is both of those things.
Having a cheap, young three-and-D wing and then waiving him is a terrible move and a mismanagement of a valuable asset. I understand the Pelicans are somewhat loaded at wing, but at the same time, given this team's injury history, that depth likely won't survive an 82-game season. Reeves is the type of player who is likely to stick in the NBA and have a successful career because he excels at two key areas: shooting and defense, which are qualities every team seeks.
In addition to that skillset, he has also shown flashes of being more than just a connective piece. There's no doubt in my mind that it won't take him long to find a new home, as he'll likely become just another player that New Orleans gave up on too early.