Austin Rivers
Saving the best for last, we have Austin Rivers, the tough, fiery son of head coach Doc Rivers. Nepotism claims aside, Rivers is a legit NBA player. Unlike Johnson and Stone, he has tasted success in the league. Austin is now focused on improving his game to evolve from a role player to a solid starting option. Let’s remember: He’s only 24.
Rivers burst on the scene as a senior at Winter Park High School, becoming one of the top recruits in the country. He declared for the draft after his lone season at Duke where he averaged 15.5 points, 2.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds a game.
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Despite his high-profile father and top-prospect hype, Rivers failed to deliver after being selected 10th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2012. In three seasons with Pelicans the former Blue Devil averaged 6.9 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game.
After joining the Clippers in 2014 thanks to a trade orchestrated by his father, Rivers has excelled as both a ball handler and an off-guard. With elite speed and athleticism, he excels at getting to the rim and finishing around defenders. He’s gritty and tough on the defensive end and has developed his strength to guard small forwards if need be.
While he needs to improve his decision and playmaking abilities, Austin will be an important piece for the Clippers moving forward. With J.J. Redick potentially leaving in free agency and Jamal Crawford turning 38-years-old next season, Rivers could very well step into a much larger role for LA as a starter and third option scorer. After signing a two year contract worth $35 million he is guaranteed to remain on the roster unless used as a trade piece to lure talent.