Austin Rivers, the son of former Boston Celtics championship head coach Doc Rivers, was referred to as “one of the better free agents” Brad Stevens may contact by CelticsBlog’s Mark Aboyoun.
“Whether Mazzulla will give Pritchard many minutes this season remains to be seen, but if Mazzulla desires more depth or a more effective defensive guard, Brad Stevens may contact one of the better free agent options,” Aboyoun prefaced before saying, “Boston can offer Rivers a veteran minimum deal of around $2 million.” Aboyoun alluded to Rivers being a potential replacement of Marcus Smart’s defensive intensity.
“In 52 games with the Timberwolves last season, Rivers had a defensive rating of 117.4,” Aboyoun prefaced before saying, “With the loss of Smart, Mazzulla may think of bringing in a veteran who can help bolster the backcourt and bridge the defensive gap left by Smart.”
Point guard a vital position of need for the Boston Celtics Austin Rivers fills perfectly
Rivers has had solid, if unspectacular seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets the past two. He’d more than likely be a reserve for the Boston Celtics, but he’d be a solid insurance policy in case Derrick White isn’t able to handle full-time 1 duties. The issues with Malcolm Brogdon and Payton Pritchard, which included a near-trade for the former and a trade demand from the latter, make the point guard position one that could use depth beyond Delano Banton. In the latter’s case, a partial guarantee makes the former Toronto Raptors guard a possible cut candidate.
Rivers fills the role perfectly, and would likely cost the veteran’s minimum at most. Having never played for the team his father built his legacy with, Boston could emerge as a full-circle option for the 31-year-old. It’s on Brad Stevens to decide if he wants to sign the son of the head coach he replaced.