- Reaves said the call to join FIBA was impossible to turn down
- Austin is honored to make an “imprint” on USA Basketball
- Reaves is breaking out into a star before our very eyes
Among the more unexpected members of the Team USA roster is young guard Austin Reaves. Not long ago, the guy was completely unknown to the average NBA fan, but he has played his way into relevancy for the Lakers. So much so, in fact, that he earned an invitation to Team USA this summer.
In the handful of games played so far, Reaves has performed well above expectations and is comfortable with his decision to join the best players in the country. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” said Reaves. “When we got the call, it was something I couldn’t say no to. Just going to represent our country and have an opportunity to go in and make an imprint on USA basketball.”
"When we got the call, it was something I couldn't say no to."
Austin Reaves tells @RickKamlaSports what it's like playing for @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/5qQlQ3fKJM
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 20, 2023
Against Puerto Rico earlier this month, Reaves dropped just 9 points in 19 minutes but he was much better against Germany on Sunday, when he scored 18 points off the bench on 5-for-9 shooting.
In truth, Reaves has been one of the many bright spots for Team USA this year and it only reaffirms what we saw from him last season. At just 25 years old, this is really only the beginning for Austin and there is a sense that he’ll be playing a big role in the future success of the Lakers.
Is Austin Reaves A Star In the Making?
On paper, Austin may not have the stats that match up to the top-end superstars, but he’s got the talent to hold his own against the best and that’s exactly what he’s been doing over the past few years.
Currently, Reaves is doing it again for Team USA and it’s got a lot of people wondering if he can become a star one day. “He’s a guy who enhances any lineup that he plays with,” said Steve Kerr. “Mainly, it’s just better to have him on your team than to have him on the other team. That’s what I would say about Austin.”
It’s still too early to say how things end for Austin Reaves, but he’s made himself a fan favorite in Los Angeles for obvious reasons. With a stellers game, great charisma, and a strong work ethic, he embodies everything the Lakers look for in a core rotation player.
Kudos to Team USA for recognizing his talents and sending him an invitation.
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