Antonio Reeves, the former Kentucky guard and promising scorer, has agreed to a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the 2025-26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season. After spending his rookie year with the New Orleans Pelicans, Reeves is set to continue his professional career in the Eastern Conference, aiming to solidify his position in the league.
Rookie NBA Season Highlights and Transition to Charlotte
Selected as the 2024 second-round pick by the Pelicans, Antonio Reeves appeared in 44 games during his rookie campaign. He averaged 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 15 minutes per game, showing efficiency with shooting splits of .456 from the field, .395 from three-point range, and .800 from the free-throw line. Despite being waived by New Orleans in early July, Reeves remained with the team’s summer league roster before securing his move to Charlotte.
“The Charlotte Hornets are signing guard Antonio Reeves to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. The 2024 Pelicans second-round pick averaged 6.9 points and 40% 3-point shooting in 44 games as a rookie last season.” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
At 24 years old, Reeves will now join a Hornets team that struggled to a 19-63 record last season under first-year head coach Charles Lee, offering the guard a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents and earn a more consistent role.
Antonio Reeves’ Collegiate Success and Development
Reeves developed significantly during his college career, transferring from Illinois State to Kentucky, where he earned notable accolades. He was named SEC Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 and received All-SEC honors in 2024. During his time in the Missouri Valley Conference, he averaged 14.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in nearly 28 minutes per game with accuracy on his shots. His performance peaked as a fifth-year senior at Kentucky, posting 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting over 51% from the field and nearly 45% from three-point range.
Prospects for Reeves with the Charlotte Hornets
As Antonio Reeves transitions to Charlotte, the opportunity arises on a rebuilding Hornets roster looking to improve past its recent shortcomings. The two-way deal provides Reeves a platform to split time between the NBA and the G League, where increased playing time could further develop his scoring ability and on-court awareness. With his proven shooting and scoring versatility, Reeves aims to make a breakthrough that could establish him as a key contributor in the league.
Charlotte Hornets fans will be watching closely this season as Reeves works under Coach Charles Lee’s system, hoping the guard’s growth continues and that he can take meaningful strides toward securing a long-term spot in the NBA. His journey reflects the perseverance and potential of second-round draftees seeking to carve out successful careers.