Lakers News: Pundit Believes Austin Reaves is Perfect For FIBA Style Of Basketball
In just a short time, Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves will be taking his game worldwide as he'll play for Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
It's been a while since the US last won the competition -- nine years ago in 2014 to be exact -- but they'll be trying to put an end to that drought this summer. Their first World Cup game is on August 26 against New Zealand.
The international game is different than the NBA, as defense is emphasized more and its generally more physical than its American counterpart, but Joe Vardon of The Athletic recently explained why Reaves is a "perfect fit" for the international game.
"Reaves is an inch taller than [his Team USA teammate Anthony] Edwards and showed himself to be a two-way player for the Lakers, especially in the playoffs. The recipe for success in FIBA play is big guards who can shoot and defend, and Reaves fits the mold — which is why he can’t be counted out in this guessing game we’re playing right now. He is also another ball handler, which can earn him minutes, and he is a good player in the mid-range, too."
Vardon mentioned Reaves' prowess from deep -- he shot just under 40 percent from the three point line last season -- as another positive factor, but I feel his underrated defense could play a sizable role as well.
Reaves doesn't possess elite speed, but he has solid length with a wingspan measuring 6'6.25," and is a physical defender in the halfcourt, something that will help him in the FIBA game. He's also extremely savvy as far as when in comes to the need to provide help defense, and him and Anthony Edwards should make an excellent tandem defensively.
Reaves should provide quite a boost to the stars and stripes this summer, and the action begins in just over six weeks.
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