The preparations for the FIBA World Cup are in full swing. As the world awaits to find out who takes home the coveted gold medal, Team USA is getting ready to dominate the international basketball circuit once again. With a roster stacked with rising NBA stars, Team USA is one of the strongest contenders for the title. However, the team also signed one of the most successful coaches to guide their young side, Steve Kerr.

Steve Kerr is one of the most reputed coaches in the NBA. After guiding the Golden State Warriors to 4 championships, the 9-time NBA champion joined Team USA to bring laurels to the nation. In a recent interview, Kerr discussed the roles of players on the roster, hailing one as a “natural leader”. However, a $53M worth NBA star seemed to be more excited to share the court with a different player.

NBA star snubs Steve Kerr’s “natural leader”

Team USA is stacked with a few of the most talented youngsters in the NBA currently. The team boasts exceptional names like Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jaren Jackson Jr. in their ranks. However, one among these exciting talents is Los Angeles Lakers guard, Austin Reaves.

Reaves had one of the most sensational sophomore seasons in the NBA in 2022-23. His phenomenal performance saw him not only earn a whopping $53,827,872 deal with the Lakers but also a spot in the Team USA roster. After making it to the highly talented Team USA, Reaves was asked whom he was most excited to play with on the team. Interestingly, he snubbed Steve Kerr’s pick as a “natural leader”.

In a recent interview with the Athletic, Steve Kerr talked hailed the New York Knicks star guard, Jalen Brunson as a natural leader. “I think Jalen is such a natural leader“, Kerr said. He further added “Because he’s a point guard, he immediately comes to mind. He’s the one who’s leading the ‘1, 2, 3 USA’ chant. Some guys just, it just comes naturally to them.”

Kerr had huge praise for Brunson. Given the 26-year-old’s skills, he undoubtedly deserves every bit of the appreciation he received. However, Austin Reaves had a different name in mind. The Lakers guard surprisingly named a former Lakers forward as his most exciting player. Whom did he name? Here goes.

Reaves names a former Laker

Austin Reaves became one of the most pivotal pieces on the Lakers roster in the 2022-23 season. After coming off the bench for most part of the regular season, the 25-year-old incredibly rose to the starting position during the playoffs. Interestingly, when asked about his most exciting player, Reaves showed loyalty to his franchise, picking former Lakers forward Brandon Ingram.

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“I think Brandon Ingram is someone that’s just like, I don’t even know how tall he is, arms long as shit and just gets to his spot and he’s never rushed“, said Reaves, greatly hailing the current New Orleans Pelicans forward.

However, he showed his appreciation for all the superstars on the Team USA roster. He said “Really excited to play with’ everybody honestly, we’ve got such a talented team that you know the main thing for us is…..figure out how to play off one another. Kind of use each other to you know benefit each other. But, I’ll learn a little bit of something from everybody”, showing no bias in his decision to choose Ingram.

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Reaves may not have gone with Steve Kerr’s “natural leader”, Jalen Brunson but Ingram is definitely not any less exciting. The 25-year-old former No.2 pick is one of the leaders of Team USA too, given his vast experience. However, Reaves did clear out that he is excited to play with everyone. This is the brotherhood that Team USA needs to put together a strong push for the coveted title.