It's ironic that "age" was the buzz surrounding this team, and it's the young guys we miss more than anything right now.
Ummm …. it’s his nickname, we didn’t give it to him. You’re welcome to call him Austin or Reaves or HbK or HK?
Kid has no fear, I love it. He’s a rookie, so yeah it’s gonna be bumpy at times, but you have to love the attitude.
The really promising thing is so far in pre-season and carrying on into the time he’s gotten with the actual Lakers squad in regular season, though limited so far, there hasn’t been much bumpiness at all. Such as getting stripped or turning the ball over, bad decisions or execution with his passes or looking like his shooting and handles skills are anything but real. Plus his continued good defense at this level.
payne thought he'd get the easy pick on the poke from behind on that first shot reaves made. nope. you can tell how surprised he was.
The thing is, this entire squad is going to be bumpy until they all figure each other out- this is why I’m really hoping he gets much more time. He’s really not going to be anymore shaky than most of the rest of the squad at this point in the season.
I’d wager a lot of our bets would be “less” from what he continues to show. Not even being tested much all around offensive skills wise as a spot up shooter, and knowing where to rotate to.
I should have clarified of our "guards" minus THT who's out the longest, both sides of the ball. Russ and Rondo not included. Basically compared to Monk, Nunn and Ellington.
Replying to LT's comment from the WMC thread on Reaves rotating well and being intelligent in defence. He rotates well and plays good on ball defence. Check these two out: CP3's shots in the fourth (1/4): https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?ContextMeasure=FGA&EndPeriod=4&EndRange=28800&GameID=0022100025&PlayerID=101108&RangeType=1&Season=2021-22&SeasonType=Regular Season&StartPeriod=4&StartRange=21600&TeamID=1610612756&flag=3&sct=plot§ion=game Play 1: Reaves intelligently traps Bridges in the PNR with Melo, Lebron helps on Ayton, Lebron then contests to CP3 while Melo recovers to Ayton Play 2: Reaves switches onto CP3, then helps in the lane to stop Booker's drive, recovers back to CP3 for a good contest Play 3: Reaves does well on the kickout to not have CP3 blow right past him, helps on Bridges and with 1 second on the shot clock CP3 throws up a circus shot - this was great defence just a fluke by CP3 Play 4: Reaves stays on CP3 cutting off the drive and then does an excellent contest Booker's shots in the fourth (1/4): https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?ContextMeasure=FGA&EndPeriod=4&EndRange=28800&GameID=0022100025&PlayerID=1626164&RangeType=1&Season=2021-22&SeasonType=Regular Season&StartPeriod=4&StartRange=21600&TeamID=1610612756&flag=3&sct=plot§ion=game Play 1: Reaves cuts off Booker's drive and looks to strip him, would of preferred him to contest, but Booker had his shoulder into him. I think the strip did enough to give Booker a tough shot Play 2: Reaves was giving a bit too much help to Lebron on the PnR here. AD did well to recover - this is why he is DPOY level, ability to cover ground and contest well. Play 3: These are the kind of defensive breakdowns we had throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarter. Lebron could have picked up Booker but didn't, Reaves was thinking about it but stayed with Bridges. We should look to clean up transition defence. I love how Reaves puts his hands on his head and thinks if he stuffed up - shows that he cares. Play 4: These are the kind of plays we just don't have down yet, the CP3 + Ayton PnR that is actually a curl screen for Booker. Westbrook tries to recover but gets a solid screen to the face. I like Reaves stopping CP3's drive, if he runs after Booker it's an automatic layup for him. A lot to feel optimistic about here for a rookie. And in general we can feel optimistic about our D slowly coming along. ADD ON: Bridges in the fourth (2/3): https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?ContextMeasure=FGA&EndPeriod=4&EndRange=28800&GameID=0022100025&PlayerID=1628969&RangeType=1&Season=2021-22&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&StartPeriod=4&StartRange=21600&TeamID=1610612756&flag=3&sct=plot§ion=game Play 1: Reaves plays great on ball D, almost gets Bridges to fumble it by using his body well. Bridges just hits a tough shot. Play 2: Just not good enough. Melo is playing CP3 wrong, and Russ helps too much. We got lucky here. Play 3: Westbrook is in the wrong place. He and AD didn't communicate, should of been told by AD to pull back or AD should of been back further in the paint. Bridges gets an easy back door cut. Things like this can be quickly tightened up with film room time.
He knows the game of basketball well and has a natural feel regardless of who's on the floor with him. Only a handful of rooks have that. This one was undrafted. Frank really trusts this kid and looks like he'll continue to see PT until everyone gets back. Good opportunity for him.
