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ALEX REESE’S career was on the rocks but now the ex-bartender has been handed a huge tonic – with a dream NBA deal.
Oklahoma City Thunder have signed the 25-year-old, who QUIT basketball in 2021, on a seven-figure salary.
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It follows injury to Oklahoma’s summer recruit Isaiah Hartenstein.
The center, 26, arrived amid great expectations from the New York Knicks but could be out for six weeks.
Reese’s agent Billy Davis told ESPN the ex-Alabama college player has agreed a non-guaranteed standard contract.
That means his long-term future is not assured – should he fail to deliver or even if he suffers injury.
But it means the ball is very much in the former waiter’s court.
Whatever happens, it’s an incredible story for a man who went undrafted three years ago and responded by switching to bartending.
However, Reese has rebuilt his career since joining Amicale Steesel in LUXEMBOURG in July 2022.
He averaged 23.7 points over 23 games in that eye-catching stint in Europe.
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Then came a brief spell with Rio Grande Valley Vipers – and 43 matches for Rip City Remix in the NBA G League, averaging 11.5 points.
Portland Trail Blazers nabbed him for the 2024 NBA Summer League.
And now he can finally raise a glass to reaching the ultimate stage – via a move to Oklahoma.
Reese’s fortunes have truly been shaken and stirred.
