As the NBA preseason kicks into gear, one budding talent is stealing the limelight and turning heads across the basketball community. Quincy Olivari, an undrafted guard hailing from Xavier University, is swiftly etching his name into the fabric of the Los Angeles Lakers. His remarkable ascent took the spotlight during a recent clash against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, where Olivari’s stellar performance not only guided the Lakers to a hard-fought victory but also earned him a segment on the national sports broadcast.
Olivari’s Odyssey to the NBA isn’t your standard tale of athletic prowess. After showcasing his skills at Xavier and going undrafted, his aspirations to play professionally seemed to be in jeopardy. However, the Lakers recognized the untapped potential within the young guard and quickly welcomed him onto their roster. It was during the Lakers’ inaugural preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves that Olivari made his NBA debut. Although his first stint was fleeting—a mere three minutes on the hardwood—it was sufficient to grab the attention of head coach JJ Redick.
Coach Redick acknowledged Olivari’s latent talent and subsequently dialed up his playing time in the games that followed.
“Quincy completely changed the game… picking up full court, being disruptive, taking time off the shot clock. I thought he executed exactly what we want from someone in his position,” Redick remarked following their 107-102 victory over the Bucks.
Olivari truly excelled in the third preseason game against the Bucks. Logging nine minutes on the court, he impressively netted 11 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out two assists while shooting an impressive 75% from three-point territory. This eye-catching display caught the attention of the media, earning him a feature on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” Elated, the rookie took to X, reflecting on the moment:
“Wow, I was just watching NBA Today when I unexpectedly appeared on the screen.” I’m just very, very thankful. All honor and glory go to God.”
The recognition didn’t stop there; following his standout performance, Olivari garnered praise from none other than Lakers legend LeBron James. Taking to Instagram, James lauded Olivari’s effort, cryptically posting, “They know who 41 is now,” a clear nod to Olivari’s jersey number. Such endorsement from one of basketball’s icons undeniably enhances the buzz surrounding the rookie.
The Lakers have consistently shown an ability to 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’s leadership. These players transitioned from overlooked prospects to vital parts of the Lakers’ system, and Quincy Olivari now aims to follow this path.
Despite going undrafted, Olivari made an immediate impact. At Media Day, he stood alongside LeBron James, symbolizing his integration into the Lakers’ ecosystem. His defensive tenacity earned him praise from Coach Redick, and he helped fuel a fourth-quarter comeback in a preseason game against the Bucks. Max Christie praised Olivari’s work ethic, highlighting the respect he’s earned from his teammates.
Supporters and analysts are keen to see if Olivari can maintain his momentum as the Lakers prepare for the remainder of the preseason. His next chance to shine will come on Tuesday, Oct. 15, when the Lakers face off against the Warriors in another exhibition matchup.
Olivari’s rise as a so-called “hidden gem” has sparked discussions about his potentially significant impact on the Lakers’ upcoming season. With an uncanny ability to capitalize on opportunities and perform brilliantly under duress, he emerges as more than just a player to monitor; he represents hope for undrafted players striving to carve their niche in the NBA.
Quincy Olivari’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the thrilling unpredictability of sports in a league known for producing stars quickly. As the preseason unfolds, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see just how far this undrafted rookie can go, not only in the opinions of his teammates and coaches but also in the hearts of basketball aficionados everywhere.