- Julian Reese, undrafted Washington Wizards forward, has signed with LIFT Sports Management for on-field representation, with NBPA and FIBA-certified agent Yann Balikouzou leading the deal.
- Reese made immediate history in his rookie NBA campaign, tying Shaquille O'Neal as the fastest player to 60 career rebounds, and posted a 20-rebound performance in just his third NBA game.
- Reese entered the league repped by ADS Sports Management, suiting up for the Lakers during the 2025 Summer League before joining the Toronto Raptors organization and eventually landing his current two-way deal with Washington.
- LIFT has been on an active signing run, recently bringing on WNBA stars Mearah O'Neal and Aneesah Morrow for representation.
LIFT Sports Management has officially added Washington Wizards forward Julian Reese to its roster, with agent Yann Balikouzou handling on-field representation.
Reese, 22, went undrafted out of the University of Maryland in 2025, where he finished second all-time in program rebounding history. He initially suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers in Summer League through ADS Sports Management before joining the Toronto Raptors organization.
After a standout stint with the Raptors 905 in the G League, the Baltimore native earned a two-way deal with Washington in February 2026 and quickly made headlines.
In just his third NBA game, Reese recorded 18 points and 20 rebounds, the most by any rookie that season and the most by a Wizards rookie since 1993. He also made history by tying Shaquille O’Neal as the fastest player to reach 60 career rebounds.
For the season, Reese averaged a double-double of 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds across 13 appearances.
LIFT has been building momentum in basketball representation, recently signing WNBA prospects Mearah O’Neal and Aneesah Morrow to the agency.
Balikouzou, LIFT’s Director of International Basketball, is an NBPA and FIBA-certified agent who previously served as Director of International Basketball at Independent Sports & Entertainment.
Takeaways
Reese’s signing with LIFT isn’t just a business move, it’s a signal. An undrafted player who tied Shaq’s rebounding record in his rookie year and averaged a double-double on a two-way deal now has a certified, well-connected agent behind him heading into a pivotal offseason.
LIFT’s Balikouzou brings serious international experience, which could open doors for Reese beyond the NBA if he doesn’t land a standard contract in 2026-27. LIFT is also clearly building a sports-wide roster of rising talent, giving Reese a high-profile peer network from day one.
Will Reese’s historic rookie performances be enough to earn him a standard NBA contract in 2026-27? Could Balikouzou’s international connections land Reese a FIBA opportunity if Washington moves on?
