The NBA Fans have come to adore Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves. He has two monikers as a result of his accomplishments. Reaves displayed a level of calm on the floor that is uncommon among younger players, especially those who are undrafted. The sophomore has been compared to a semi-automatic weapon and Kobe Bryant.
“Hillbilly Kobe” has its roots in his time as a student at the University of Oklahoma. Reaves claimed that before it stuck and accompanied him to the NBA, a graduate assistant had initially called him that:
“I don’t condone any gun violence that happens around our country. But you can’t really control what [nickname] people give you. I mean, I didn’t come out and say my name was that. There have been others, like the ‘Hillbilly Kobe,’ that probably aren’t the best thing in the situation that’s going on, with Kobe’s passing.”
His name and jersey number are combined in the second moniker (AR-15). Many other league players have used the same strategy. Austin Reaves, though, has stated that he doesn’t like either moniker. He does not believe the time is appropriate, despite the fact that it is an honor to be compared to one of the greatest players in league history.
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NBA players are not happy about Austin Reaves refusing nicknames
The majority of NBA players have enthusiastically accepted the nicknames that fans have given them since they almost always originate from positive intentions. Reaves’ rejection to accept both names was shocking because of this.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors was incensed that Reaves was refusing to utilize the nicknames that fans had given him. He made clear that he recognized the child’s argument but disagreed that it was appropriate.
On the “Draymond Green Show,” he said: “Brother, you have not accomplished enough in your job to be attempting to shed nicknames that others have given you. When he stated that, I was completely astounded. You should strive to capitalize on that moniker, brother.”
Interviewee Kyle Kuzma concurred with Green and suggested that Reaves embrace his “Hillbilly Kobe” persona. This season, Austin Reaves is making an astonishing return. He scored a respectable 19 points to lead Los Angeles Lakers against the Thunder.
