In an interview with USA Today High School Sports , LA Clippers’ guard, Austin Rivers, speaks on different struggles that he’s faced playing in the league, giving back, and moving forward.
LA Clippers’ guard, Austin Rivers, spoke in an interview with USA Today High School Sports where he opened up about adversity, injuries, and other struggles throughout his time in the league. You can watch the video below!
.@AustinRivers25 on dealing with adversity, playing for his father, getting back to playing the way he did in high school and more: pic.twitter.com/VFwDW9HuVL
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) October 19, 2017
"“I’d be lying if I said I’d picture myself here now, where I’m at now in my career.”"
The Clippers’ guard has been playing in the league for 5 years now. First drafted to New Orleans in 2012. He played a total of 61 games, where he averaged 6.2 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds in his rookie season. This is also the same season where he missed the final 20 games due to a fractured right hand.
The Trade to The LA Clippers
"“…and then the trade happened which added even more pressure because now I’m playing for my father.”"
On January 15, 2015 Austin transferred to the LA Clippers where his father, Doc Rivers, is the head coach. In his first game with the Clippers, a 126-121 loss against the Cavaliers, Austin became the first son to play for his father in an NBA game.
The pressure of the NBA, playing with his father, and dealing with injuries must have gotten to him. When comparing his games in the NBA with his time in college at Duke University, there’s definitely a noticeable difference. During his 2011-12 season with Duke, he was averaging 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. In the interview, he mentions that he would “just play” when he was in high school. He also goes on to say that he’s trying to get back to that same mentality of just playing and having fun.
Moving Forward
During the 2016-17 season Rivers averaged 12 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. It was still lower than his time at Duke, but it’s not the past that he’s worried about. He’s currently focused on helping others, giving back, and moving forward.
"“People don’t talk about what I did two years ago. They talk about what I just did, and they’re gonna ask what I’ll do next. So that’s what I’m focused on.”"
In closing, I myself am looking forward to see how Austin performs this season now that he’s starting for the LA Clippers. How do you think this season is going to go for Austin? Is he going to push us toward the championship? Or is he going to hold us back? Let us know in the comment box below. Also make sure to follow us over @ClipperholicsFS on twitter where we’ll be live tweeting tonight’s preseason opener vs the Lakers!