Straight Outta "MyCareer" Mode: Reggie Hearn's Journey Continues
Boasting a journey comparable to the "MyCareer" mode in NBA 2K21, Reggie Hearn's respectable basketball career will continue with NBA G League Ignite.
Before the Rockets hired Stephen Silas as their new head coach, Jeff Van Gundy was reportedly a candidate.
During his time leading Team USA, Van Gundy gained respect for a slew of NBA G League athletes, including basketball journeyman Reggie Hearn. Under the coach’s tutelage, Hearn won a gold medal at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, became the 2018 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year and hit the game-winning shot during Team USA’s final game of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers over Argentina.
Hearn also signed a Two-Way contract with the Detroit Pistons during the 2017-18 season, playing for Jeff Van Gundy’s brother, Stan. Such a promotion was far from just a favor from brother to brother. Hearn had earned respect, proved his worth, and was granted a well-deserved promotion following a career that has taken him far and wide.
Hearn’s next stop following seven NBA G League seasons, multiple stints with Team USA, and a cup of coffee in the NBA? He’ll join fellow veteran ballers Amir Johnson, Bobby Brown, Cody Demps, and Brandon Ashley on NBA G League Ignite, a first of its kind squad featuring top prospects and likely 2021 NBA draftees like Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Isaiah Todd.
On a side note, filling out this squad is more evidence that there will be some shell of a minor league season. Given the league’s ability to reel in these top prospects and convince them that the NBA G League could serve as the ultimate springboard for their professional careers, there’s clearly motivation to showcase them in some way. Before the NBA announced its plans for the upcoming regular season, the G League had been eyeing a condensed tournament that would have featured NBA G League Ignite playing 15 games over a span of mid-November through mid to late December — stopping play around the time that the minor league’s annual Winter Showcase typically concludes. Perhaps now things are inching closer to a more familiar format.
But back to Hearn. He’s a well-respected, patient and proven veteran that should serve as a steady role model for the up and coming prospects. He’s demonstrated that putting the time in and staying ready can result in success and admiration. The fact that Hearn has also perfected his craft along the way (he’s averaged 11.3 points and shot 40% from deep over 271 minor league contests) should also not be ignored. At 29 years old, he could probably step in and provide value for a number of NBA teams, spreading the floor, keeping defenses honest with his long range, and/or pushing teammates to the limit in practice.
Hearn is arguably more prepared to contribute than most. Many young talents, even those drafted, are tasked with either spending time in the NBA G League via assignment or learning things from the sidelines. He wouldn’t be the first minor league veteran to provide value and get rolling without much of a learning curve. Just look at Chris Copeland, who at 30 years old made his NBA debut and averaged 8.7 points for the 2012-13 Atlantic Division champion New York Knicks. He went on to enjoy a four-year career in The Association thereafter.
Hearn’s right there and NBA eyes have been on him for years. He’s garnered respect everywhere he’s gone and his appointment to this squad is simply further evidence. As NBA decision-makers pay close attention to NBA G League Ignite largely in part thanks to next year’s potential draftees, Hearn is likely to receive even more recognition as a result. Chances are he won’t merely be riding the pine, either. The younger prospects have to adjust to the speed of the pro game and the lifestyle of a professional athlete. They need to build their stamina and develop their skills even further. All the while, a ready and able Hearn could benefit from substantial playing time.
Not taking anything away from Hearn’s proven skill or past accomplishments, his career thus far represents quite the feel-good story. It’s hard to argue that one could even dream up a more exciting professional path while playing out the “MyCareer” mode in 2K21. Gamers can press the pause button on their new PlayStation 5 consoles and catch a glimpse of the real thing.
Regardless, Hearn’s journey thus far has been unique with well-deserved recognition sprinkled in along the way, and the best may still be yet to come.