D’Angelo Russell claims ‘mentally killer’ Austin Reaves is discredited because he’s WHITE
Russell elaborated on Reaves' undeniable talent, stating how Reaves is un-guardable.
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Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell (Image via Getty Images)
In a candid and insightful conversation on the Pat Dev podcast, NBA players Patrick Beverley and D’Angelo Russell shared their admiration for the underrated talent of Austin Reaves. Russell mentioned how Reaves’ game impressed him during their matchups in the earlier days, highlighting his confidence and calm demeanor on the court. In the conversation, all of them expressed their admiration for Reaves’ development as a player, stating, “People seem to be very excited about his development as a player.”
Russell recalled a memorable encounter with Reaves on the court, sharing, “I remember we played them when I was with Minnesota. My brother used to stay Courtside of Minnesota” showing that their relationship goes long back. He also talked about how the rookie almost cooked him off the dribble during those days. When the host asked if people might discredit Reaves due to his appearance, Russell candidly responded, “They probably discredit him because of his skin color [White], but he got game, wow.”
He further praised Reaves, stating, “A lot of dudes in the league got one, maybe one white boy that they know can hang and get to it at any park back home, and he can… I could bring him at any park back home, and he gonna hold it down.” Russell couldn’t help but praise Reaves further, calling him an underrated player in the league with a “Kobe-like” touch.
Is Austin Reaves underrated? What do Russell and Beverley think?
As the conversation continued, Russell elaborated on Reaves’ undeniable talent, stating how Reaves is unguardable, a sentiment Beverley echoed, agreeing with the stats that prove his talent. Beverley and Russell agreed that Reaves’ impressive stats often go unnoticed, and he finds himself in a media blind spot. However, they both acknowledged that success can come even without extensive media coverage, citing how Denver Nuggets‘ won the league without being fan favorites and not getting enough coverage.
Both players agreed that Reaves possesses a killer mindset and ranks high in basketball IQ, making him one of the hardest players to guard in the league. Beverley highlighted Reaves’ basketball IQ, noting, “It’s more of his mind like [he’s a] killer, he’s underrated like he’s top 11 top 12 in the league when it comes to IQ… he knows the game of basketball, which is why he can get to the free-throw line.” Whether or not he is underrated is something that only the fans can answer. Some basketball players, though, think he might even be overrated.
With Reaves at the forefront of the Lakers squad for the 2023 season, Russell and Beverley recognize the potential of a young, talented player who can impact games and defy expectations. Russel too has agreed to stay with the Lakers, although for a bargain as per Twitter fans. As the Lakers eye for the ring this year, it will be interesting to see whether the young talent of Austin Reaves will be able to make the same impact as he did last year.
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Chinmay Mehta
(83 Articles Published)