Los Angeles Clippers Mid-Season Grades: Austin Rivers

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 20: Austin Rivers
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 20: Austin Rivers
3 of 4
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 9: Blake Griffin
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 9: Blake Griffin

Defense: B+

The future of the LA Clippers’ defense is in good hands. Elite stoppers such as Patrick Beverley, Avery Bradley, and DeAndre Jordan are on the roster, and Austin Rivers’ defense is worth recognition as well. He is averaging 1.2 steals per game but has also improved in his ability to stay in front of his opponents. While he isn’t as good of a defending guard as Beverley or Bradley (yet), Rivers is a better scorer than those two. If we ever get to see it happen, a lineup of Beverley, Bradley, Rivers, Johnson, and Jordan would have some nice stopping power.