- Steve Kerr is impressed with Austin Reaves during Team USA training camp
- Reaves “enhances any lineup that he plays with”
- Kerr applauds Austin’s court vision and decision-making on the court
As Team USA continues to practice and prepare for the FIBA World Cup, USA coach Steve Kerr is getting some first-hand experience with a lot of talented young players.
One such player is Lajers guard Austin Reaves, who is apparently making quite an impression on the coaching staff.
“He fits in wherever we put him; that’s the beauty of Austin,” Kerr said. “He’s a connector. He’s a hell of a basketball player. He’s physical, shoots and passes it. Just so poised out there all the time. He’s a guy who enhances any lineup that he plays with. Mainly, it’s just better to have him on your team than to have him on the other team,” Kerr continued. “That’s what I would say about Austin. One of the fun things with this endeavor is that you really get to know guys who you’ve competed against and admired, but then you really get to know their games.”
Reaves averaged 13 points per game for the Lakers last season, but his real value was in the playoffs when he stepped up and played like a borderline All-Star for the Purple and Gold.
Now, he’s fresh off a brand new $56 million deal that will have him in a position to co-lead the Lakers for years to come.
“Just feel, vision, awareness, and understanding of the game,” said Kerr. “The ball just goes to the right spot, the right cut is made. Austin made a play yesterday where he made a drive and kick; he was kind of behind the defense, and he worked completely behind the defense, flashed kind of in the middle of the paint, caught it and swung it through. He had feel; you have to have awareness to make a play like that. So connectors are guys who make those types of plays, and the game just makes sense, and you end up getting open shots.”
Austin Reaves Could Be The Missing Piece For The Lakers
After being stuck in turmoil over the last few years, Reaves has been one of the few bright spots and his ascension gave them some flexibility throughout the postseason. Now, the hope for the Lakers is that Reaves can continue his trajectory and fill in the gaps where the Lakers fall short.
Only time will tell what the future has for Reaves, but it’s clear his season was no fluke. The guy is good and he makes an impact on the floor in the best possible ways.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
