Antonio Reeves Bio
Antonio Reeves is an American professional basketball player who currently competes for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) on a two-way contract with the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. Born on November 20, 2000, in Chicago, Illinois, Reeves was drafted 47th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2024 NBA Draft before immediately being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he plays the shooting guard position and has established himself as a versatile scorer with experience at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Antonio Reeves grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he developed his basketball skills before attending Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona. His talent on the court earned him recognition as a prospect, and he later returned to complete his high school career at Simeon Career Academy in his hometown of Chicago. Reeves’ high school performance attracted attention from several college programs.
After graduating from Simeon Career Academy, Reeves received multiple scholarship offers from mid-major programs across the country. He ultimately chose to commit to Illinois State University, selecting the Redbirds over several other candidates. This decision marked the beginning of his collegiate basketball journey in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Path to Professional Basketball
Reeves began his college career at Illinois State University, where he played for the Redbirds from 2019 to 2022. During his sophomore season, he earned recognition by making the Missouri Valley Conference all-bench team, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately as a reserve. His scoring ability continued to develop, and by his junior season, he had emerged as a primary offensive option for the team.
Following his junior year, Reeves declared for the 2021 NBA Draft but ultimately chose to return to Illinois State for his senior season. In the 2021-22 campaign, he elevated his game significantly, averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game. His outstanding performance earned him second-team All-MVC honors. However, the team struggled that season, and head coach Dan Muller was fired. With the coaching change, Reeves made the decision to transfer to a program with better championship prospects.
Reeves ultimately chose the University of Kentucky and new head coach John Calipari to continue his collegiate career. His decision to join the Wildcats proved pivotal, as Kentucky provided access to a premier basketball program with national championship aspirations and exposure to top-level competition within the Southeastern Conference.
Antonio Reeves Career
Kentucky Wildcats (2022-2024)
Upon joining Kentucky for his senior season, Reeves transitioned to a reserve role behind All-American Oscar Tshiebwe. Despite coming off the bench, he remained a significant contributor and ranked second on the team in scoring with 14.4 points per game. His consistency and ability to score in bunches made him a valuable sixth man for the Wildcats. At the conclusion of the season, Reeves was honored as the SEC co-Sixth Man of the Year, recognizing his impact as the conference’s top reserve player.
After the season, Reeves tested the NBA Draft waters while also considering another transfer. The COVID-19 pandemic had affected collegiate eligibility, and the NCAA granted players an additional year of eligibility. Reeves ultimately decided to return to Kentucky for a fifth collegiate season, giving him another year to develop his game and improve his professional prospects.
Entering his fifth and final collegiate season, Reeves entered with heightened expectations. He was named preseason second-team All-SEC, reflecting the respect he had earned within the conference. As the season progressed, he emerged as one of Kentucky’s most consistent performers and provided veteran leadership for a talented freshman recruiting class. In January 2024, his strong play earned him a spot on the prestigious 25-man Wooden Award midseason watch list, placing him among the top college basketball players in the country. Reeves capped his remarkable season by earning First-team All-SEC honors and Third-team All-American recognition, solidifying his status as one of the top seniors in the nation.
Professional Career (2024-Present)
Antonio Reeves’ professional journey began on June 27, 2024, when he was selected with the 47th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. However, on draft night itself, his rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for two second-round pick swaps in 2030 and 2031. Reeves signed his first professional contract with the Pelicans on July 23, 2024, officially beginning his NBA career.
Throughout his rookie season with New Orleans, Reeves saw multiple assignments to the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate. He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 123-111 victory over his hometown Chicago Bulls, a milestone moment for the Chicago native. Reeves’ most impressive performance came on November 20, 2024, when he scored a career-high 34 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, though the Pelicans fell 128-100. On July 3, 2025, Reeves was waived by the Pelicans, ending his tenure with the organization.
Charlotte Hornets Era (2025-Present)
Following his release from New Orleans, Reeves joined the Pelicans for the 2025 NBA Summer League to showcase his abilities for other teams. His performance impressed scouts, and on July 26, 2025, he signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. This agreement allows Reeves to compete for the Hornets while also developing with their G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. The two-way contract represents a new chapter in his professional career and an opportunity to establish himself in the NBA.
Playing Style and Strengths
Antonio Reeves has established himself as an efficient scoring guard with the ability to contribute both as a starter and reserve. His 6-foot-5 frame provides good size for the shooting guard position in the NBA. Reeves is particularly effective as a perimeter shooter and has shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. His experience playing as a sixth man at Kentucky shaped his ability to make an immediate impact upon entering games, a quality that translates well to professional basketball.
Notable Moments and Milestones
Reeves’ career has already featured several memorable moments. His NBA debut against the Chicago Bulls represented a homecoming for the Chicago native, while his 34-point explosion against the Cleveland Cavaliers demonstrated his potential as a scorer at the professional level. His collegiate career was highlighted by consistent improvement, culminating in Third-team All-American honors in 2024. The NBA G League championship he won in 2026 further solidified his professional credentials.
Antonio Reeves Career Highlights
Throughout his basketball career, Antonio Reeves has accumulated notable achievements across both collegiate and professional competition. His progression from a mid-major recruit to an NBA player with championship experience illustrates his development as a complete player.
College Career Highlights
Reeves’ collegiate career spanned five seasons across two programs. At Illinois State, he developed into a 20-point-per-game scorer and earned second-team All-MVC honors. His move to Kentucky elevated his profile nationally. At Kentucky, he evolved into a valuable sixth man before becoming a senior leader. His SEC co-Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023 validated his impact coming off the bench, while his First-team All-SEC and Third-team All-American honors in 2024 represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career. His Wooden Award watch list recognition placed him among the nation’s elite players during his final collegiate season.
Professional Career
In his brief NBA career, Reeves has already demonstrated scoring ability at the professional level. His career-high 34-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased his potential as a microwave scorer off the bench. His 2026 NBA G League championship added a professional title to his resume while playing for the Greensboro Swarm. His current two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets provides him the opportunity to continue developing his game at the highest level of basketball.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Antonio Reeves following his mid-season move to the Charlotte Hornets organization. After beginning the season with the New Orleans Pelicans and their G League affiliate, Reeves was waived in July and subsequently joined the Hornets for Summer League. His strong performance in Las Vegas earned him a two-way contract, providing stability heading into the remainder of the season.
Reeves’ integration into the Charlotte Hornets system represented a fresh start with a young, developing team. The Hornets have focused on building around youthful talent, and Reeves’ experience as a veteran college player and professional provides valuable depth at the shooting guard position. His ability to contribute immediately as a scorer gives the Hornets a reliable option when instant offense is needed.
With the Greensboro Swarm, Reeves has also had the opportunity to refine his game in the G League environment, where he can work on specific aspects of his professional development. The two-way structure allows him to shuttle between the NBA and G League based on team needs. As he continues to adjust to the professional game, Reeves remains focused on proving he belongs in the NBA long-term while helping his team succeed at both levels.
Antonio Reeves Family
Family Background
Antonio Reeves was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His upbringing in the basketball-rich city provided numerous opportunities to develop his game against strong competition. Beyond his immediate family details remaining private, Reeves has spoken publicly about the support system that helped him reach the collegiate and professional levels.
Personal Life
Reeves maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his official X account. As a young professional athlete, he continues to focus on his basketball career while building his identity in the NBA. His journey from Chicago to the professional ranks exemplifies the path many NBA players take from youth basketball through high school, college, and ultimately to the world’s premier basketball league.