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LA Clippers: Doc Rivers Speaks out on the Austin Rivers Trade

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks to Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks to Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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This morning, LA Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers told TMZ reporters that trading Austin Rivers was “the right thing for all of us”.

LA Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers has spoken out for the first time since his son, Austin Rivers, was traded to the Washington Wizards. Rivers expressed joy for his son, stating the move was “the right thing for all of us”. He continued by saying Austin will be good and well in Washington.

Rivers was traded last week in exchange for Wizards big man Marcin Gortat in a move that provided the Clippers with front court depth prior to DeAndre Jordan‘s departure. Due to the large number of guards on LA’s roster, moving Rivers was arguably their best move of the summer thus far.

Now, Rivers will be able to escape his father’s shadow with the Wizards. Austin was the first NBA player to be coached by their father, and the idea was polarizing throughout basketball fandoms.  Although his four seasons with the Clippers were successful, many doubters believed it was simply a product of his father’s favoritism. It didn’t help that Rivers was already a generally disliked player, and his father’s track record as an executive was spotty at best.

Starting in 59 games this past season, Rivers averaged career-highs in points (15.1), assists (4.0), and three-point percentage (.378). The 25-year-old played more minutes than ever before as well, averaging just under 34 per game.

Near the end of TMZ’s impromptu interview, Rivers was asked about LA’s pursuit of San Antonio Spurs Forward Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has been linked to the Clippers on numerous occasions this offseason, and his destination is still a mystery.

Rivers said that he couldn’t comment on the situation, simply stating, “you never know”.

Now that Rivers and his son are separated, you’d think the accusations of nepotism would come to an end. Unfortunately though, that probably won’t be the case.

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