“He’s nowhere near Jordan Poole" - NBA player refuses to put Austin Reaves on Warriors star's level
This season, Austin Reaves has been a key piece of the LA Lakers' supporting cast. In a span of two years, he went from a two-way player to starting alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the postseason.
Austin Reaves had a successful second season in the NBA, but has taken his game to a new level during the playoffs. Through 15 games, he is the team's third-leading scorer at 16.9 PPG. Reaves is also averaging 4.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and shooting 44.2% from beyond the arc.
Following this impressive run, many people around the league believe Reaves is in line for a big payday this summer. However, one current player is trying to pump the breaks on all the hype.
During a recent episode of his 'Off Guard' podcast, Minnesota Timberwolves veteran Austin Rivers chimed in with his thoughts on the LA Lakers guard. While he admits that he is a fan of his game, he doesn't feel Reaves is in the same conversation as Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole.
"His skill level is not the same as Jordan Poole's. It's not even in the same realm."
"If you're talking skill level for skill level, he's nowhere near Jordan Poole. Let's not get it twisted."
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 )
https://t.co/5NEGGQG0is
Is Austin Rivers right about Austin Reaves and Jordan Poole?
If we're only looking at the last few weeks, then many people would disagree with what Austin Rivers had to say about Austin Reaves. However, looking at the full body of work, it's hard not to side with what he had to say.
Overall, Jordan Poole should be seen as the more skillful player. He's proven on some of the game's biggest stages that he is able to score the ball at a high level. During the Golden State Warriors' finals run last year, he averaged 17.0 points on near 50/40/90 shooting splits.
If teams had the choice to build their squad around Poole or Reaves, it's doubtful that many would side with the LA Lakers guard. This is not a knock on his game, but Poole has just proven to be a more skillful player. Along with having a high ceiling as a three-level scorer, he's arguably a better playmaker and shot-creator.
While it's highly unlikely Reaves gets a similar kind of contract this summer, what teams might be willing to offer him possibly won't be that far off.