Team USA features some of the best young players in the NBA, and as such, one could make a case for anyone to start over any other player.
So, after watching Brandon Ingram struggle so mightily and Austin Reaves thrive off the bench, it’s only natural to think some might want coach Steve Kerr to make a lineup adjustment.
With that in mind, ClutchPoints fueled that debate by sharing stats for both players thus far, and Reaves has fared significantly better than his colleague from the New Orleans Pelicans.
That’s why NBA veteran Patrick Beverley took to Twitter to call them out and urged them to stop comparing and putting out narratives, as Team USA is playing well, and that’s all that matters right now.
Stop trying to divide. Team is winning. Positivity only. Our National Team is playing well. https://t.co/JM5nS0nFLj
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) August 29, 2023
Thus far, Ingram has scored a grand total of 7 points on 3 of 8 from the floor (38%) in 32 minutes with a box-plus/minus of +10.
Reaves, on the other hand, has scored 27 points on 62(%) shooting in 39 minutes and a plus-minus of +38.
Even so, they’re two different players who bring different things to the table, and Ingram is good enough to bounce back and have a huge game on any given night.
Reaves has been the team’s offensive catalyst off the bench, and that’s also important.
Everybody has bought into their roles, and while that means making adjustments and sacrificing, it’s all for the greater good and the players will gladly agree to do so.
At the end of the day, bringing home the gold is the only thing that matters.
NEXT: Michael Irvin Has Strong Message On LeBron James’ Performance Last Season
