The Los Angeles Lakers comeback during the 2022?23 NBA season was a remarkable one. They had a difficult beginning to the first phase, hampered by defeats, leading to a demoralizing 2-10 record. But as the season went on, things turned around. The Lakers’ fortunes took a stunning turn, taking them from the bottom of the Western Conference rankings to one of the most fearsome teams in the league. The Lakers’ amazing comeback not only improved their standing but also cemented their place as serious league contenders.
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Meanwhile, NBA veteran, Austin Rivers offers his bold take on a Warriors’ Star, leaving the Lakers’ fans feeling bitter.
An NBA Veteran makes a bold claim
During a recent episode of his ‘Off Guard’ podcast, Austin Rivers made some bold statements about the Golden State Warriors?Jordan Poole. In this episode, he was quick to distinguish Poole from a Lakers’ guard who has had a pretty impressive season this year.
He compared Poole’s skills to those of Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reeves. Rivers expressed his love for?Austin Reaves. He referred to Reaves’s best skill as being aggressive every time he’s on the floor. By calling him the Jack of All trades, River’s proceeded to call him “not the greatest shooter” among many things. Then, he went on to state that his skill level is different than Jordan Poole’s.
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba )
He said, “It’s not even in the same realm.” Rivers then bought up Poole’s range and his skills to make shots. While Rivers’ is an Austin Reaves fan, he said, “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.”
He stated that for what Reeves lacks in ability, or certain skill sets, he makes up for it by playing hard on both offensive and defensive ends.
Poole’s performance during the season showed strengths as well as weaknesses. Despite a shift in his role, he displayed his scoring prowess and served as a crucial offensive weapon for the Golden Warriors, scoring 20.4 points on average per game. Although he only shot 43.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, his shooting efficiency did suffer.
The NBA World reacts to the veteran player’s take
Meanwhile, Austin Rivers’ statement gets mixed reactions from the NBA World. Many shared their opinions on Twitter.
A fan tweeted, “One has fancy moves the other is a basketball player.”
One has fancy moves the other is a basketball player
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba ) pic.x.com/5NEGGQG0is
A few fans agreed with his take.
Facts Poole has outgrown whatever the Warriors need him to be.. puts up an efficient 26 points and 5 assists without Curry this season for a reason
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba ) pic.x.com/5NEGGQG0is
Skill v Impact Poole is only asked to perform the most impactful skill, scoring, at an elite level. Reaves is asked to perform a variety of skills @ an above-avg level. Reaves does his JOBS better than Poole, but Poole’s JOB is harder. Consistency is really the marker here.
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba ) pic.x.com/5NEGGQG0is
On the other hand, some of them didn’t take it well.
This is what I mean when I say sometimes you guys give a little too much credence to "he plays in the NBA, he must know what he's talking about when discussing the NBA"
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba ) pic.x.com/5NEGGQG0is
What good is skill when your brain sounds like a 6pc frying hard at Harolds when its time to play?
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba ) pic.x.com/5NEGGQG0is
Who gonna tell Austin Rivers that Austin Reaves is levels above both them giving this take 🤣🤣
Austin Rivers says Austin Reaves skill level is not even in the ‘same realm’ as Jordan Poole’s “He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole.” (Via @ringernba ) pic.x.com/5NEGGQG0is
Reaves, a guard in his second season, has developed into a standout and a key component of the Lakers’ current and future success. His position in the team’s rotation has been cemented by his impressive postseason performances.
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Both Reaves and Poole will have chances to advance their careers and help their respective teams as the league develops. As of now, the trajectory of their careers is still uncertain. What are your thoughts on both players? Let us know in the comments below!