Austin Rivers Emerging as Unexpected X-Factor for Los Angeles Clippers

When Austin Rivers joined his father and the Los Angeles Clippers organization on January 16, the narrative surrounding the trade was humorous. Now that the Clippers have advanced to the second round of the playoffs, Austin has emerged as an unexpected X-factor.

His play in the absence of Chris Paul has been solid overall. However, he delivered up when the team needed production from someone other than Paul for Griffin. 

The Los Angeles Times' Ben Bolch discussed Rivers' value after being traded to the Clippers:

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Doc Rivers essentially runs the Clippers as coach and president of basketball operations, though he was hesitant to the idea of adding his son to the roster before several underlings convinced him the move might make sense. The Clippers have one of the most underachieving benches in the NBA and Austin Rivers' versatility as a shooting guard and point guard makes him more valuable than his statistics might suggest.

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Although Rivers struggled at times during the regular season, Bolch was correct in his assessment.

Rivers has been extremely valuable. Most notably, his 16 points in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs and 17 points against the Houston Rockets while starting for an injured Paul during Game 1.

The playoff statistics aren't going to jump off the page (6.9 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 1.0 APG). Still, Rivers' ability to attack the basket has made a difference.

When Paul is healthy, Rivers comes off the bench and plays alongside Jamal Crawford. Crawford is able to create his own shot as well as anyone in the league. However, Rivers has the athleticism and size to attack the rim and finish.

According to NBA.com, Rivers has attempted 49 percent of his shots from inside 10 feet. Although he has only made 32 percent of them, it shows his willingness to drive into the paint.

His shooting percentage inside 10 feet also explains why the New Orleans Hornets and the Boston Celtics did not view him as part of the future. A guard who relies on dribble-drive attacks that can't finish at the rim isn't exactly valuable.

Still, his aggressiveness with the play works well in three-guard lineups with J.J. Redick and Crawford. His ability to penetrate collapses the defense and opens the perimeter for kick-outs.

Crawford has been the primary beneficiary of these passes, receiving 19.5 percent of them (second most, behind Blake Griffin), and he is making 50 percent of those shots, per NBA.com.

Perhaps those mocking Rivers and the Clippers should have paid more attention to what the team needed and less about a humorous narrative.

Coach Rivers was able to identify that need, according to ESPN.com's Arash Markazi: "He's a downhill guard, which is something we need, so I certainly would [be open to coaching him].”

Although his tendency to attack is a breath of fresh air, it has been Rivers' defense that has paid off the most. His ability to defend multiple positions has been crucial.

Against the Spurs, Rivers defended Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard. During Game 1 against the Rockets, Rivers was assigned to James Harden.

Rivers helped hold Harden to 6-of-13 from the field and force nine turnovers. Harden looked like a shell of himself and was only able to shoot six free throws compared to the 9.7 attempts he is averaging during the playoffs.

He is a good team defender, but he also has the size (6'4" tall) and length (6'7.25" wingspan) to defend large guards and small forwards on the perimeter. His lateral quickness is the key to staying in front of guys such as Leonard and Harden.

Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

Finally, Rivers wants to compete.

Find him during a game, no matter if he is on the bench or on the floor. He looks focused and intense. He's the first player up off the bench congratulating his teammates or in the huddle listening to Paul's wisdom.

Rivers wants to win. It feels like he is trying to prove everyone wrong who doubted him and his father. That time has arrived. Rivers has been important to the Clippers' playoff success.

He's been the X-factor.

For more Clippers coverage, follow @JeffNisiusNBA.