The most surprising player from each NBA team this season
By Connor Learn
Los Angeles Clippers: Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers hasn’t always been taken seriously in NBA circles. A one-time bust, he was acquired via trade by his father. It was easy to assume that there was nepotism at play when Clippers President of Basketball Operations Doc Rivers flipped a future second round pick for his son back in early 2015. Doc proceeded to give his son nearly 20 minutes per game as Chris Paul’s backup the rest of the season, with mixed results.
Claims of nepotism were largely silenced last year as Austin Rivers emerged as an asset off of the Clippers’ bench. He progressed as a shooter and looked more comfortable running the team in Chris Paul’s absence. Though some questioned whether he was worthy of a three-year, $35.4 million dollar extension, it seemed like a worthwhile bet to place on a 24-year old to most.
Rivers has improved during each season he has been in the league. This year is no exception; he is on pace to establish career highs in nearly every category. Rivers is tied with Jamal Crawford as the Clippers fifth leading scorer, with 12 points per game. His improved play has helped alleviate the extended absence of Chris Paul and he could very well end up starting in the playoffs this season. Austin Rivers has his best basketball ahead of him.