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The LA Clippers Need Austin Rivers Healthy for the Playoffs

By Ryan Snellings

Mar 9, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) leads a fast break in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) leads a fast break in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the LA Clippers need Austin Rivers to get healthy for a strong playoff run.

“Austin Rivers is only in the league because of his dad. He’s not a real NBA player.” We get it, couch coach. Let’s just ignore quotes about him from teammates and coaches around the league. Let’s ignore that the Knicks would only trade us Carmelo Anthony if Austin was included, because they were so high on him. It’s fine. Austin obviously doesn’t do anything of use for this team.

INJURY UPDATE: Austin Rivers Out for Regular Season

Or does he?

For starters, just look at his stats from last year to this year:

SeasonGGSMPFG%3P%eFG%TRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2015-1667721.9.438.335.4981.91.50.70.10.92.08.9
2016-17742927.8.442.371.5182.22.80.70.11.62.512.0

Yes, I know you’ll say it: He has more turnovers and fouls. Don’t focus so much on the negative though. He’s increased productivity in almost every single stat category and he’s having a career year.

This season, he’s scoring more effectively than Blake Griffin. (51.8 to 51.2) He has 2.5 win shares this season, and is 0.2 value over replacement player. (It’s a small amount, but still positive)

Don’t like advanced stats? Let’s look at some highlights from this season, just to remind you of the potential Austin has.

Remember this game against the Grizzlies?

How about this one against the Kings?

Or do you remember him robbing Steph Curry?

Let’s not forget, the kid is only 24 years old. Had he stayed in college, this would be only his second season in the league.

The Clippers need Austin Rivers. He’s a huge spark off the bench. His defense on bigger wings greatly helps. Would you rather Crawford guarding someone or Austin? Thought so. Oh, and you know who has been eating his minutes, right? Paul Pierce and Alan Anderson. That surely will result in playoff wins.

Let’s collectively hope that little Rivers will be back in time for the first round.

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