Lakers News: Longtime NBA Bench Player Says Austin Reaves is ‘Nowhere Near’ Warriors Jordan Poole
One of the most interesting debates among the NBA community right now has been the topic of who is better: Austin Reaves or Jordan Poole?
It's looking like one of the typical narratives that would have Twitter users heading to the front lines to defend their pick. Poole made a big name for himself in the 2022 postseason as he became one of the most deadly bench scorers in the NBA, averaging 17 points on 40% from three and cashing in on some huge shots en route to a championship.
However, the 23-year-old guard had a huge drop off this year as his numbers plummeted to just 10 points on 25 percent from three. Even though Draymond Green believes that they would still be playing right now if not for a preseason scuffle, the numbers do not lie.
Then you look at Austin Reaves who has been nothing short of phenomenal for LA. He has truly blossomed into the third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis and stepped up on the biggest stage of his career.
In his first trip to the playoffs, AR has averaged 17 points on 44% from three while also contributing on the defensive end.
Recency bias is much stronger in the NBA than most sports so it's no surprise that many fans have been choosing the un-drafted guard over Poole as of late.
Minnesota Timberwolves' guard, Austin Rivers, has even decided to hop in the conversations. He has played with and against a number of young, talented players and made this debate a focal point on a recent episode of his podcast 'Go Off With Austin Rivers."
The son of champion head coach Doc Rivers, most recently with the Philadelphia 76ers, showed love to Reaves but ultimately declared Poole as the more skilled option.
"His skill level is not the same as Jordan Poole's," said Rivers. "It's not even in the same realm. I say this as an Austin Reaves fan, I like his game. He's nowhere near Jordan Poole... Then the other half of this comes. Well, for what Austin Reaves lacks in ability or maybe certain skill levels, he makes up for in how hard he plays in both ends."
(Via @TheNBACentral)
Both of these young stars have long careers ahead of them and Reaves is due for his payday this summer just like Jordan Poole was last year! The NBA is in good hands.
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