Ranking Lakers’ Austin Reaves and the NBA’s best undrafted players

Apr 16, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts during the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts during the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 5
Christian Wood
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) – Christian Wood

4. Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks

Christian Wood undoubtedly belongs on this list but it might be controversial to rank him fourth. If you just look at the counting stats then it is not hard to make the case that the 27-year-old big should rank higher on this list.

That being said, basketball is not played in the box scores, it is played on the court and anyone who is just looking at the stat lines is missing the bigger picture with Wood. He can produce and put up stats, but there is a part of his game that ranks him below the others on this list.

Wood simply has not been a winning player in his career. There are several examples of players like this in the league that can get their individual stats but do not contribute towards winning basketball. At this point with Wood, it is undoubtedly a trend.

It also is not a coincidence that Wood has played for seven different teams in seven seasons and will probably make it eight next season as it is hard to see the Dallas Mavericks bringing him back. Being a winning rotation player is far more important than individual stats.

That being said, his averages of 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game over the last three seasons and more than enough to earn him a comfortable spot on this list.