Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has seen enough from Austin Reaves this preseason to draw a pretty bold comparison, one that links the rising guard to one of the smoothest scorers of the modern era.
Redick praised Reaves for his control, creativity, and ability to manipulate defenders, comparing him to his former teammate Jamal Crawford, following the Lakers preseason win over the Warriors.
A little bit so far in the games, Redick said of Reaves growth. I think a lot in practice. Yesterday, for example, in the scrimmage, he did some things just off the bounce. And maybe that was our poor defense, but the purple team literally couldnt contain him. He just kind of got wherever he wanted.
Redick went on to explain that Reaves knack for drawing contact and improvising reminded him of Crawfords signature craft.
Hes so crafty. The ability to draw fouls, you put your hands there and hes able to rise up, Redick said. I played with a guy, Jamal Crawford, whos so good at that. So its just picking up little tricks here and there to get to the free throw line. Hes always been good at that, but you see that continue to develop.
Reaves, who scored 21 points on 7-10 shooting against Golden State, was quick to appreciate the comparison from his new coach.
Jamal Crawford was cold, Reaves said. I think where hes coming from is kind of the creativity offensively. I dont want to speak for him, but Im not someone that sits there and plans what Im about to do. Everything kind of just happens naturally, happens in the flow of the game. I havent heard that one, but I like JJ a little more now.
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