After a big contract with the Lakers, Austin Reaves is excited about the 2023 FIBA World Cup finals
After joining the Los Angeles Lakers from the bottom of the rankings to the Western finals, Austin Reaves has proven he is one of the rising stars not only in yellow and purple but also in the NBA.
The 1998 defender was not selected in the NBA Draft and accepted to play in the G-League for a while, deciding to bet on himself.
Thanks to his relentless drive and determination, he was given a chance on the first team before becoming the third most important player on the Lakers squad, behind only LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Now, Austin Reaves is also given a greater responsibility when he is called by coach Steve Kerr and technical director Grant Hill to play for the US team and compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup finals.
Playing for the US team is a great honor that any player wishes to experience. More on this, Austin Reaves said:
“This means a lot to me. It is always a privilege to play for the national team and I really appreciate this opportunity. I will learn a lot and hope to be able to win with my teammates.
At the next FIBA World Cup, we have a squad with many excellent players on each team. Although they are young stars, they are always ready to compete at a high level.
As for myself, I will do the best I can in my role, fulfilling all the goals set by the coaching staff to help the whole team."
Unlike the nearest Olympics, the US basketball team will bring a completely rejuvenated squad to the 2023 FIBA World Cup finals taking place at the end of this August.
Three promising young stars lead the army of coach Steve Kerr including Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton and Brandon Ingram. The team's main leader is Jalen Brunson, star of the New York Knicks.
In addition to the aforementioned quartet, the US team has factors like Austin Reaves playing the main role in the reserve players group, contributing in both attack and defense.
With the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves playing the FIBA World Cup for the national team will provide the necessary experience for the 25-year-old. He will gain more experience and maintain good health right before the start of the NBA 2023-24 season.
A sideline related to Reaves is that in addition to his American nationality, he also has German blood. Austin's grandmother is German, so he can choose the team to compete at world level.
In the end, Austin Reaves chose the American basketball team as the team he wanted to play for, marking the first time the 1998 defender played at the national team level.
