Lakers News: Insider Has Fascinating Theory On Rise Of Austin Reaves, Team USA Comrades
International basketball is a whole different style compared to what we are used to watching in the NBA and it is clear that once a mass audience tuned in to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, they realized that as well.
Team USA did not send out their most talented nor their most experienced roster possible. Instead, they compiled a group of players that had begun making names for themselves over the past couple of seasons and will hopefully become some of the biggest stars in the world one day.
Unfortunately, we know how their run in the tournament ended as they could not even finish with a bronze medal after falling to Team Canada in their final match of the summer. Despite having versatile talent in Anthony Edwards, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr., they could not all come together in the end to bring home some hardware.
Fortunately for Lakers fans, Austin Reaves fit in seamlessly with the rest of the guys and even though he was kept in a bench role, he still became one of Steve Kerr's most trusted pieces.
Insider Bill Simmons broke down why he believes Austin Reaves was so successful in international play on his own podcast.
"What makes sense in a player for Team USA," asked Simmons. "The things you're looking at are: Can you switch on defense? Do you know how to play without the ball? Can you play off other people? Haliburton and Reaves were perfect for them."
(Via Bill Simmons Podcast)
Reaves will have a major role on the purple and gold this coming year and the world got to see what he was like on a different stage!
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