Austin Reaves’ career season will ultimately go unrewarded.
As a result of his calf strain, which has had him out since Christmas Day and cost him three games before that, Reaves can now not meet the 65-game minimum, making him ineligible for any awards or All-NBA consideration.
The NBA’s 65-game minimum for award eligibility is certainly a controversial rule. It also means that Reaves, who certainly was playing at an All-NBA level before this calf injury, is going to see his strong start to the year go completely for naught.
So far this year, Reaves is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game. Impressively, he’s doing it on improved efficiency, too, as he’s shooting 50.7% from the field. While his 36.5% shooting from range is just below his career number, his effective field goal percentage is 59%, the second-best mark of his career.
Reaves helped the Lakers weather rough waters to start the year after early injuries to LeBron James and Luka Dončić, elevating to a superstar in the process. He poured in 51 points in a win over the Kings and hit a game-winner against the Wolves days later, the highlight of his season so far.
As for the NBA’s rule, it has come under greater scrutiny this season than ever before. Injuries to Nikola Jokic and LeBron James mean both are unlikely to be eligible for awards.
It won’t be something changed midseason, but don’t be surprised if it’s something that is addressed in the offseason.
The good news is that head coach JJ Redick said the expectation is for Reaves to return during this upcoming road trip. However, it’ll still be a bit too little, too late when it comes to awards.
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