Speculation: Should the Clippers move on from Chris Paul?
![Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul watch on the bench in the final minute during a NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 122-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul watch on the bench in the final minute during a NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 122-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b30eae37592a34da62e0dfc9a8022fa791a4d9d296ef6fe8ce0465e2c4890f31.jpg)
Austin Rivers.
I get all the jokes, I really do, but Austin Rivers is a legitimate NBA player. He is more than just Doc Rivers son. Sure, he came out of college too early and sure he slips all the time, but he has helped this team tremendously. He has been a steady back-up to Chris, guiding a solid second unit. When Chris has been out, he has stepped his game up even more. In games Austin has started he has averaged almost 15 points per game.
This season Austin has career highs in FG%, 3PT%, eFG%, FT%, AST, and PPG. To top it all off, he is still just 24 years old.
While he may not be on Chris Paul’s level yet, (He probably will never be) he is certainly a solid guard. Rivers would be able to fill in nicely if the Clippers moved on from Chris. Blake Griffin would be able to take over the majority of the playmaking duties so Austin could do his thing.
It may hurt for Clippers fans to see LA move on from Chris this summer, but it’s something the front office should look into.