Austin Rivers: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent SG

Mike ChiariJul 2, 2015

Guard Austin Rivers was a key reserve for the Los Angeles Clippers down the stretch last season, but a return to L.A. is far from a lock despite the fact that his father, Doc Rivers, is the head coach.

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Rivers Plans to "Look at All Options" in Free Agency

Thursday, July 2

Rumors swirled regarding Rivers possibly playing for his dad one day after he entered the NBA as the No. 10 overall selection in the 2012 draft. While it finally happened last season, the family reunion could be short-lived.

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the 22-year-old guard plans to test the free-agent waters, although a return to the Clips is still on the table.

Stein also provided a quote from the former Duke standout regarding his situation:

Rivers' numbers improved after he was traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Clippers this past season, as he put up 7.1 points, two rebounds and 1.7 assists in just over 19 minutes per game. He also shot the ball better than ever before under his father, converting nearly 43 percent of his field-goal attempts.

He was even better in the playoffs to the tune of 8.4 points per contest and a field-goal percentage of nearly 44 percent. With point guard Chris Paul ailing, Rivers started a couple of games and took on a greater role than most expected.

While there is undoubtedly a certain comfort level in Los Angeles for Rivers, his opportunity to grow as a player may be limited with guards CP3, J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford and the newly acquired Lance Stephenson on the roster.

Although he could serve as Paul's backup, Rivers is more of a combo guard who doesn't thrive at distributing the basketball.

Rivers has a difficult decision on his hands since family is certainly a factor, but if he wants to become a starter in the league at some point, then signing elsewhere may prove to be his best option.

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