{"id":101567,"date":"2024-10-17T12:50:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T16:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=101567"},"modified":"2024-10-18T11:24:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:24:00","slug":"lakers-dip-into-familiar-pool-to-sign-quincy-olivari","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/17\/lakers-dip-into-familiar-pool-to-sign-quincy-olivari\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Dip into Familiar Pool to Sign Unique Talent"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Los Angeles Lakers consistently develop undrafted talent into key contributors. In recent years, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/carusal01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Caruso<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reaveau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Reaves<\/a> have emerged as prime examples of success stories under <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/executives\/pelinro99x.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Pelinka\u2019s<\/a> leadership. These players transitioned from overlooked prospects to vital parts of the Lakers\u2019 system. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/olivaqu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quincy Olivari<\/a> now aims to follow this path. He signed an <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/03\/lakers-sign-combo-guard-jordan-goodwin-to-exhibit-10-deal\/\" target=\"_self\">Exhibit 10<\/a> contract in August. Quincy Olivari has already impressed the Lakers&#8217; organization with his preseason performance and training camp effort.<\/p>\n<h2>NBA Business: Lakers Dip Into Familiar Pool To Sign Unique Talent<\/h2>\n<p>Despite going undrafted, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/12\/lakers-no-41-quincy-olivari-earning-respect-legitimate-nba-player\/\" target=\"_self\">Quincy Olivari<\/a> made an immediate impact. At Media Day, he stood alongside <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LeBron James<\/a>, symbolizing his integration into the Lakers&#8217; ecosystem. His defensive tenacity earned him praise from Coach <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/redicjj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">JJ Redick<\/a>. He helped <a  href=\"https:\/\/lakersnation.com\/lakers-highlights-quincy-olivari-leads-fourth-quarterback-comeback-against-bucks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fuel a fourth-quarter<\/a> comeback in a preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/chrisma02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Christie<\/a> praised Olivari\u2019s work ethic and this highlighted the respect he earned from his teammates. Even LeBron acknowledged Olivari\u2019s efforts by posting about him on social media.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">LeBron showing Quincy Olivari \u2764\ufe0f on IG <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gBifOr52Ti\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/gBifOr52Ti<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LakersLead\/status\/1844588380434129402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Lakers&#8217; Success with Undrafted Players<\/h3>\n<p>The Lakers have built a strong reputation for developing undrafted talent into core contributors. Caruso exemplified this, carving out a role with the Lakers by showcasing his defensive prowess and intensity. Before leaving for the Chicago Bulls, Caruso had secured his place as one of the league\u2019s top defenders. The Oklahoma City Thunder later <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/21\/nba-trade-grades-for-first-trade-of-the-2024-offseason-and-whats-next-for-the-bulls-and-thunder\/\" target=\"_self\">traded<\/a> for him in a deal involving <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/giddejo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Giddey<\/a>. Caruso\u2019s path from undrafted player to elite defender highlights his relentless work ethic. As he enters the final year of his contract, with a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/21076\/alex-caruso#:~:text=In%202024%2D25%2C%20Caruso%20will,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%249%2C890%2C000.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$9.89 million<\/a> cap hit, he is set for a major payday after proving his value on both ends of the court.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, Reaves emerged as a key player after going undrafted from <a  href=\"https:\/\/goshockers.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wichita State<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/soonersports.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oklahoma<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/08\/how-the-spurs-almost-stole-austin-reaves-from-the-lakers\/\" target=\"_self\">Reaves<\/a> earned his spot in the Lakers&#8217; starting lineup and continues to contribute as a playmaker and shot-creator. Entering the second year of a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/74218\/austin-reaves#:~:text=Austin%20Reaves%20signed%20a%204,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%2412%2C976%2C362.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">four-year, $53.8 million<\/a> contract, Reaves\u2019 story highlights the Lakers&#8217; ability to identify and develop talent that fits their system.<\/p>\n<p>Pelinka has faced considerable criticism for some of his roster decisions, particularly around high-profile signings and missed opportunities at trade deadlines. However, he deserves recognition for his success in developing undrafted players and reclamation projects. Notably, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/monkma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malik Monk<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/walkelo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lonnie Walker IV<\/a> thrived during their time with the Lakers, revitalizing their careers under Pelinka&#8217;s guidance. Additionally, Pelinka\u2019s emphasis on finding value through overlooked players has helped strengthen the Lakers\u2019 depth, contributing to their overall competitiveness. This aspect of Pelinka&#8217;s management shows his eye for talent, even when the spotlight is often on more high-stakes moves.<\/p>\n<h3>Quincy Olivari\u2019s Potential in the Lakers&#8217; System<\/h3>\n<p>Like Caruso and Reaves, Quincy Olivari is capitalizing on his opportunity in the Lakers&#8217; system. A former standout at <a  href=\"https:\/\/riceowls.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rice University<\/a>, Olivari <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/quincy-olivari-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">averaged<\/a> 18.9 points per game in his last season with Rice. Olivari transferred to Xavier for his final season of college where averaged 19.1 points. \u00a0His shooting ability was highly impressive in college he shot 38.9 percent from beyond the arc for his career including two seasons where he shot above 40 percent. Olivari showcased his potential to be another undrafted success story through his strong preseason performance, despite not being selected in the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/news\/2024-nba-draft-order\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2024 NBA Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Pelinka\u2019s ability to build a culture around identifying undervalued players could prove fruitful with Olivari. Quincy Olivari has already shown promise within the Lakers&#8217; defensive schemes. As Olivari continues to develop, his path resembles those of Caruso and Reaves. This further bolsters the Lakers&#8217; developmental reputation.<\/p>\n<h3>Quincy Olivari Joins the Lakers, a Proven System<\/h3>\n<p>As Olivari earns praise from Lakers coaches and teammates, his trajectory mirrors the success stories of undrafted players before him. The Lakers&#8217; system has produced valuable NBA talents, and Quincy Olivari\u2019s early flashes of potential indicate he may be the next to rise. With the Lakers&#8217; proven track record and Olivari\u2019s work ethic, fans have reasons to feel optimistic about his future with the team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Los Angeles Lakers consistently develop undrafted talent into key contributors. In recent years, Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves have emerged as prime examples of success stories under Rob Pelinka\u2019s leadership. These players transitioned from overlooked prospects to vital parts of the Lakers\u2019 system. Quincy Olivari now aims to follow this path. He signed an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5018,"featured_media":101656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,26],"tags":[49040,2037,4556,49738,2279,4276,38,4916,4975,49377,3370,759],"class_list":["post-101567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-lakers","tag-2024-nba-draft","tag-alex-caruso","tag-austin-reaves","tag-exhibit-10-deal","tag-jj-redick","tag-josh-giddey","tag-lebron-james","tag-max-christie","tag-nba-contracts","tag-quincy-olivari","tag-rice-owls","tag-rob-pelinka"],"modified_by":"Eamon Cassels, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=101567"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101567\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/101656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=101567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=101567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=101567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}