What If...? Spurs Fans Ponder The "Could Have Been" With Austin Reaves

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Post on Mar 18, 2025

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What If...? Spurs Fans Ponder the "Could Have Been" with Austin Reaves

The 2023 NBA Playoffs have served as a painful reminder for many San Antonio Spurs fans: what could have been. The electrifying performances of Austin Reaves, the undrafted Lakers guard who's become a postseason sensation, have ignited a wave of "what ifs" across Spurs Nation. Reaves, a player many believe the Spurs could have, and perhaps should have, drafted, is now a key component of a Western Conference contender, highlighting a potential missed opportunity for the rebuilding franchise.

The Reaves Conundrum: A Missed Opportunity?

The 2021 NBA Draft saw the Spurs select Josh Primo with the 12th overall pick. While Primo's career was unfortunately cut short, the hindsight afforded by Reaves' success has many questioning whether the Spurs made the right call. Reaves, who went undrafted that same year, has proven himself to be a versatile and impactful player, showcasing a clutch scoring ability and an uncanny knack for making crucial plays. His rise from undrafted free agent to playoff performer is a compelling narrative, one that resonates particularly strongly with Spurs fans.

Several factors contributed to the Reaves oversight. The Spurs, focused on rebuilding after the Tim Duncan era, likely prioritized players with perceived higher ceilings. Reaves' unconventional path to the NBA, alongside his relatively low profile coming out of college, may have contributed to his being passed over by numerous teams, including San Antonio.

Reaves' Skillset: A Perfect Fit for the Spurs?

Many Spurs fans believe Reaves' skillset would have been a perfect complement to the team's young core. His tenacious defense, combined with his ability to create his own shot and hit clutch three-pointers, would have addressed key areas of need. His scrappy, high-energy playing style also aligns perfectly with the Spurs' traditional team identity. Imagine Reaves alongside players like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell – the potential synergy is tantalizing to contemplate.

• Unwavering Clutch Performance: Reaves' consistent ability to deliver in high-pressure moments is undeniable.
• Defensive Prowess: His tenacity and defensive instincts would have immediately bolstered the Spurs' backcourt.
• Offensive Versatility: His ability to both create his own shot and play off the ball would have given the Spurs offensive flexibility.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned?

While dwelling on the past is unproductive, the Reaves saga serves as a valuable lesson for the Spurs' front office. The team's draft strategy must evolve to account for players who may not fit the traditional mold but possess exceptional talent and grit. Reaves' success is a potent reminder that hidden gems exist beyond the highly-touted prospects. The Spurs' current rebuild offers the opportunity to refine their draft evaluation process and avoid similar missed opportunities in the future. The team needs to prioritize identifying players with high basketball IQ, an unwavering work ethic, and a winning mentality – qualities that Reaves clearly embodies.

The Spurs' future is still bright, but the Austin Reaves "what if" will undoubtedly linger in the minds of many fans for some time to come. It serves as a stark reminder that talent can emerge from unexpected places, and that sometimes, the best players aren't always the ones who are highly-ranked.