Mikal Bridges on Austin Reaves: 'This ain't no underdog s*** no more, he's here'

Bridges, one of the top young wings in the league, said Reaves’ ability to get a whistle had his attention. “I’ve been a fan. … I think the biggest thing about him I like is that he knows how to draw a foul,” Bridges said. “He knows how to create fouls and get to the free-throw line and that’s like a skill. He’s not just getting there. There’s a skill to that and it’s very underrated. People don’t really understand it but the ones that do, they know how tough it is to guard. “That s—‘s an art.” -via Los Angeles Times / August 14, 2023

There is a chemistry that exists on this team that might not usually be there after just 10 (or so) days of being together. But the players on Team USA have track records with one another that extend much longer. Much has been made of the “Villanova reunion” of Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Also, Brunson and Hart now play for the Knicks. Bridges and Cam Johnson are not only on the Brooklyn Nets, but they BOTH were traded there from the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant in February. Hart and Brandon Ingram played together with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans. -via The Athletic / August 14, 2023

“A lot of us have been friends in the league,” Bridges explained, “I mean, like me and Jaren (Jackson) have been close, being drafted (in the same class). Me and Ant (Anthony Edwards) always talk to each other in games. Me and BI (Ingram), just because of Josh and stuff. So, it’s all falling together, and it’s great.” -via The Athletic / August 14, 2023

“It’s kind of really been my whole life, me proving that I’m capable of doing things, And then having to re-prove it again. And it’s been repetitive my whole life, something I talked to my agents [Reilly and Reggie Berry] about multiple times — even this past year,” Reaves said. “Like, was it ever going to change? Just because it happened so much to me. -via Los Angeles Times / August 14, 2023

“I love the fight that he is and embodied to get to this point,” Hill said. “His shooting, his playmaking, he’s got a grit and a toughness about him. That will translate. We’re excited that he’s a part of it. He’s a basketball player. At first, I thought he was a shooter. But then he emerged [in the playoffs]. You saw what he did against Golden State, how he played against Denver, what he did to Memphis. To be so young and kind of had the path he’s taken, to be unafraid in those moments — he’s got it.” -via Los Angeles Times / August 14, 2023