LA Clippers: 5 big questions for the 2016-17 NBA season
By Tom West
Will Austin Rivers break out?
Austin Rivers took a noticeable step forward last season. Yet, no matter what strengths he can improve and showcase, he receives more than his fair share of criticism. Even by some fans of the LA Clippers, the repetitive father-son argument that Doc needs to go and Austin is no good continues.
Of course, there are weaknesses. Rivers isn’t a great passer or point guard, he’s off to another cold start from three-point range this season (21.1 percent) and his free throw efficiency for a guard is surprisingly low (63.6 for his career). Such issues and his shot selection have rightfully bothered fans, and he’ll still continue to deal with the same issues going forward.
However, it’s impossible to deny we’ve seen improvement from Rivers.
His defense was terrific last season and went a long way to helping alleviate some pressure from Chris Paul as Rivers (along with Luc Mbah a Moute) can be used to defend an opponent’s best guard. Rivers has elevated his intensity, fights hard around screens to contest outside, and uses his energy and lateral quickness to consistently cover drives well.
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Another positive for Rivers last season, before the sheer heart he showed in that stellar, one-eyed playoff performance, was shooting just shy of 40 percent from three after the All-Star break. So far, we’re yet to see that consistency this season. Hopefully for the Clippers it emerges as their offense hits full swing.
The real question, and a vital question for the Clippers’ bench as a whole, is whether Rivers can take another step forward this year. Can he be more of a three-point threat? Will his shot selection improve? Will we see him make the most of his quick first step and finishing ability to drive more? Can he create more looks for others?
After seven games, he’s just edged past his previous career-high of points per game (8.9, set last season) with 9.1, showing how he can be a spark plug at times with a 19-point showing in the second game against Utah. He’s cooled down since then, but his strengths and talents are clear; everything comes down to whether his IQ improves and his game expands as it needs to if he’s going to be a bigger contributor.
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The LA Clippers’ bench has looked far better over this initial stage of the season than anyone could have expected, and whether Austin steps forward to coincide with this improvement is something to keep a keen eye on.