Invoice Simmons provided a polarizing tackle Austin Reaves and Workforce USA following their come-from-behind victory over Germany this weekend.
On Saturday, the American facet confronted off towards Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner within the remaining tune-up sport earlier than 2023 FIBA World Cup formally commences.
Regardless of being down by as many as 16 factors at one juncture, Workforce USA rallied again exhausting behind Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton and Reaves.
The latter two gamers completed with 16 apiece, whereas Edwards recorded 34 factors on 11-of-21 taking pictures.
Within the aftermath, Simmons took so social media to supply one thing of a polarizing take.
“Workforce USA’s greatest subject for the precise match — accepting that Haliburton and Reaves are 2 of the most effective guys on the workforce,” Simmons wrote.
“They’re gonna should be on the market in any huge state of affairs even when emotions get harm.”
Followers took word of Simmons’ opinion and had some ideas on it. Particularly, everybody appeared to acknowledge that Haliburton has been instrumental, however Reaves’ inclusion within the tweet was met with some resistance.
People instantly took to social media to reply.
Anthony Edwards is the most effective participant however sure these are subsequent in line
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) August 20, 2023
Haliburton and Ant are the most effective gamers for positive. They when they’re on the court docket the workforce appears to be like so a lot better
— Younger Simba (@the2kmessiah) August 20, 2023
Yeah I assume you missed all of the earlier video games.
— larry israel (@larryisrael2) August 20, 2023
It’s pure to be suspicious of Reaves due to LA hype, however it’s unfair. He is excellent. Anybody who truly watched Haliburton (my favourite participant within the league) final yr is aware of he’s superb. That being stated, Brunson is the higher defender and one on one scorer.
— Robert T. Ives (@Justalurke) August 21, 2023
Reaves is trash 😹😹😹
— Suns Run The West (@DubSuns) August 20, 2023
Fully unfaithful ! they have been higher than there counterpart starters right this moment and deserve the minutes however all through fiba play Brunson and Ingram have been higher. Additionally it doesn’t matter who begins the purpose is now we have so many good gamers we are able to sub out anyone at any given time
— Decka718 (@DECKA_718) August 20, 2023
Simmons has by no means shied away from providing his blunt ideas on issues. Be it for his very sincere critique of Bronny James or his brutal Kobe Bryant message to Jayson Tatum, he all the time tends to maintain it actual.
It was extra of the identical this week.
A method or one other, Reaves will in the end do his factor. He’s fairly adept at drowning out the noise and acting at a excessive stage even with all eyes on him.
Plus, he seemingly isn’t sweating his doubters.
Reaves is coming off a summer season the place he bought a four-year, $54 million contract extension from the Los Angeles Lakers after which spent the previous few months partying it up together with his girlfriend. Now he’s representing the American facet in worldwide play.
Kay Adams 👀👀👀https://t.co/QxchPL3iir
— Sport 7 (@game7__) August 21, 2023
He’s dwelling the life.
All in all, it is going to be fascinating to see what Workforce USA can in the end accomplish this time round.
Will Reaves and Haliburton in the end justify Simmons’ religion in them? Time will inform.
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