Orlando Magic select former Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves in 2024 NBA Draft, traded to New Orleans Pelicans

Kentucky guard and 2024 All-American Antonio Reeves has found an NBA home. He was selected by the Orlando Magic but was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans with the 47th pick.

After starting his college career at Illinois State, where he stayed three years, Reeves transferred to Kentucky during the 2022 offseason. He immediately made an impact off the bench in 2022-23, registering 14.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game for the Wildcats while winning SEC Sixth Man of the Year.

But what he’ll remembered by the Big Blue Nation for best is what he did in 2023-24, taking a massive leap in his final season.

Reeves developed himself an All-American this past year, averaging 20.2 points (the most by one player under Calipari at UK) and 4.2 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per outing.

His shooting splits were borderline unbelievable: 51.2 percent from the floor, 44.7 percent from deep, and 86.3 percent from the line. Reeves was tabbed Third Team All-American by multiple outlets and also made All-SEC First Team.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Antonio Reeves

As for his draft stock, Reeves made major strides as a prospect in 2024, transition from a primarily spot-up three-point shooter and secondary offensive option to a 20-point-per-game bell cow with ruthlessly efficient shooting numbers.

He also added immensely to his game off the dribble — he can get to the rim and finish through contact with a stronger frame than in ’23, he can drive and dish, and the floater game was deadly.

The all-around game, surrounded by the elite shooting, makes NBA.com believe Reeves can make it in the pros. Here was their analysis of him ahead of the draft:

“At 6-foot-5, Reeves is an elite three-point shooter, but his jumper is a set shot with limited lift, which may be difficult to get off in the NBA. He has the skill set to be a capable 3-and-D professional, but at 24 years old, Reeves isn’t an ideal prospect. He developed into a savvy all-around player in college, but his three-point prowess makes him worthy of NBA consideration. “

Reeves leaves Kentucky after a tough two-year go of NCAA Tournament runs, but his individual brilliance ought to be remembered for a long time. Hopefully, it will. He certainly appreciated playing for the Big Blue.

“We played the game together, we did everything together, and you know, these bonds are going to last a lifetime,” Reeves said of his teammates on the ’24 Kentucky team after the year. A special and beloved group for sure, but an unfortunate end.