While several emerging stars on the roster have contributed to Team USA’s success, Austin Reaves has elevated the team’s performance to a different level. After 25-year-old Reaves’ incredible performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup so far, Team USA would certainly not want to miss out his talents. However, before he could even join Team USA, he received recruitment offers from Team Germany’s star guard.

Team USA’s run in the FIBA World Cup so far has been nothing short of remarkable. After a dominant group stage performance, the team will now face Team Germany in the all-important semifinal encounter. However, they might have lost their pivotal piece, Austin Reaves to their opponent due to his ex-teammate’s efforts to recruit the Los Angeles Lakers guard.

Austin Reaves almost played for the opposition

Austin Reaves has played a pivotal role in Team USA’s success coming off the bench. However, his entire FIBA World Cup stint would have gone differently, had he listened to his ex-teammate, Dennis Schroder. The current Toronto Raptors guard and Team Germany’s superstar made every effort to land Reaves’ talents on the German roster.

Ahead of their crucial FIBA World Cup semifinal game, Reaves revealed how his former Lakers teammate tried to recruit him to play for the German national side for over a year. Quite a sneaky move from the $25,430,250 worth guard indeed.

“Dennis was obviously all year asking me about playing for the German team in the future, and I was open to it,” said Reaves. He added “Obviously, I told him straight up that I wasn’t going to play this summer because….it was my first postseason run, and then the US opportunity presented itself.”

Reaves acquired a German passport last year, given that his grandmother hailed from the country. This made the Lakers guard eligible to play for Team Germany in the FIBA World Cup this year. However, since he received a call-up from Team USA, he chose to play for his own nation instead.

In the same interview, Reaves further revealed “He (Dennis) was the first person I texted, and I said that I got this opportunity and I can’t say no to it.” He continued, “I just wanted to let you know before it all broke and obviously, he was super supportive like he said congrats and all that stuff so if this didn’t present itself, it was probably something that might’ve happened in the future.”

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Reaves made a bold choice sticking with the United States contingent. Although Team Germany have had a unbeaten record, Team USA’s run in the tournament is not inferior. Reaves too, has thrived off the bench for Team USA throughout the FIBA World Cup. However, he faced his biggest challenge yet. After declining Shroder’s requests, can Reaves and Team USA defeat Schroder’s Team Germany?

Team Germany pose a major threat to Reaves and Co.

Austin Reaves and Team USA have hustled their way into the semifinal of the FIBA World Cup. However, their opponent is not just the most dominant side in the tournament but also a team Reaves rejected. Given their bad blood, can Team Germany make the Lakers guard regret his decision?

Austin Reaves has had an incredible run for Team USA. He currently averages 11 PPG but has effected the games in ways much more than just scoring. The 25-year-old has served as an occasional point guard, bringing the ball up the court while also making brilliant plays. His timely passes combined with his effective shot-making have elevated the team’s performance beyond imagination. However, beating the undefeated Team Germany would not seem an easy task for the Lakers guard.

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Team Germany, under the leadership of Dennis Schroder has posed a tough challenge for Team USA. Now, the United States contingent will have to put up a gritty fight to advance to the Finals for a shot at glory. Their matchup will decide who joins Team Serbia in the ultimate battle for the gold medal.