With a big free agency period coming for the LA Clippers, players are starting to make their opinions known. The most recent player to do so: Austin Rivers
According to TMZ, Austin Rivers had some input on what the LA Clippers should do regarding free agency. Rivers made the claim that breaking up the team’s core would be ‘idiotic’. He also shared what he thinks is the mental makeup of the whole group.
"“We still feel like we can be an NBA championship team.”"
This says a lot for the group, especially with rumors that J.J. Redick will look to make $18-20 million this offseason. Word is that the Clippers will not agree to pay him this much, seeming to have learned from overpaying for an aging Jamal Crawford last season. Rumors say that the team would love to keep J.J., but he would have to come down on his asking price.
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Rivers also feels like the team is only ‘a piece away’. The irony though, is that getting a premiere piece would most likely cost the team Rivers as he is one of the few desirable trade pieces that they currently have.
At only 24 years old, Austin Rivers is coming off his best season in the league. The guard came into his own and averaged 12 points to go along with 2.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds. His defensive effort earned him praise, even resulting in an Second Team All-Defense vote from Bill Simmons.
Does Austin’s dad and President of Basketball Operations, Doc Rivers, listen to his son? Or, does he let either or both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul walk in free agency? Only time will tell.