Warriors HC Sends Bold Message On Lakers’ Austin Reaves

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr watched Austin Reaves become a fan favorite and his words impress the world.

Reaves joined Team USA’s FIBA World Cup Roster and will have a chance to show the world of basketball even further.

Kerr likes this idea and the fact that a strong passer like Reaves will try to push Team USA to a win.

“When you have good passers, teams connect quickly,” Kerr said. “And some of these guys have it come so naturally to them, Tyrese (Haliburton), Austin Reaves – these guys are great passers….The whole group is connected and it’s really fun to watch.”

Reaves with a nice hit-ahead pass to Jaren Jackson Jr. in transition. pic.twitter.com/7YR9AskZqd

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) August 5, 2023

The Warriors head coach respects Reaves and his potential

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham noticed Reaves’ potential and gave him a chance to play more. The young player averaged 17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game with the Lakers after the All-Star break. The Lakers went 16-7 in that period and 8-2 in the final 10 games with Reaves in the starting lineup.

Reaves played good in the postseason, too. He averaged 16.9 points and 4.6 assists. His numbers went up in the Western Conference Finals. Reaves averaged 21.3 points and 5.3 assists in the series against the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers gave Reaves a four-year deal worth $53.8 million in the offseason. Let’s not forget that he played just two seasons in the NBA.

Ham trusts his young player and has high expectations from him.

“I’m putting it on record right now: Austin Reaves will be an All-Star at some point soon,” Ham said on “#thisleague: UNCUT” on July 13. “I think…him being invited to be a part of the World Cup team is the first step in that direction…My plan is to continue to feature him. He’s our starting 2-guard.”

The Lakers have found a star and they hope for the best. Reaves showed great performance last season and things can only go better in the future.

“The kid is a flat-out competitor,” Ham said. “One of the greatest human beings you can ever be around – always fun, keeps things simple. But yet works at his craft, is fearless in the biggest of moments…I think there’s a lot more levels he’s gonna get to before it’s all said and done.”