Steve Kerr heaped praise on Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves as he prepares to compete for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Reaves burst onto the scene as he registered a string of impressive performances for the Lakers, acting as one of their key figures during a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Denver Nuggets. Along with his chemistry with LeBron James, Reaves’ ability to draw fouls and run the offense helped turn the Lakers into contenders down the stretch.
Last season, Reaves averaged 13.0 points per game along with 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 39.4 percent from three-point range. He stepped up in the playoffs when the lights shone brightest, putting up 16.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds over 16 games.
As a result of his performances, Reaves was selected to represent the United States at the World Cup, which begins next month in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. The roster may be somewhat watered-down without James, Steph Curry or Kevin Durant, but it is still loaded with exciting NBA talent.
Reaves is one player fans will be interested to see take to the international stage alongside the likes of Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton. Kerr, Team USA's head coach, spoke highly of Reaves and suggested he can help both his country and the Lakers win throughout his career.
“For me, after watching him kick our butt for six straight games in the Western Conference semis, it was a pretty easy choice,” Kerr told reporters when asked about Reaves’ inclusion. “I think Austin is one of the rising young players in this league.
“What you look for in FIBA is versatility. You want size defensively, the ability to switch and guard multiple positions and you want playmaking. You want guys who can make shots but also put the ball on the floor and are good passers. Austin is just, to me, he’s a basketball player. He’s a guy who impacts winning at a really high level.
“His story is pretty amazing given that he was undrafted two years ago. Now, here he is, playing for Team USA and being one of the Lakers’ top-three players. It’s not an accident. This guy can play and we have no doubt he’s going to make a big impact for our team in the Philippines.”
Kerr’s praise for Reaves comes after Lakers superstar - and four-time MVP - James praised the 25-year-old’s basketball IQ. Back in May, James told ESPN: “I don’t give a f*** about, like, athleticism, how great you can shoot the ball, how high you can jump, how fast you can run. I like high basketball IQ guys.
“Obviously, you got to have that s*** to win a championship. You got to have guys that can do extraordinary s***. But like, I’ve always had a liking to guys that just know how to play the f****** game of basketball.”
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Reaves signed a four-year deal worth $52 million - the full Early Bird amount. It means the guard will remain in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future after he impressed immensely during the Lakers’ postseason run.
The USA will play all its group stage games in Manila, Phillippines, as they eye world glory for the first time since 2014. The FIBA Basketball World Cup begins on Aug. 25 and runs until Sept. 10.
