‘Tough to envision’ Boston Celtics adding ex-HC’s son ahead of training camp

The Boston Celtics are not likely to sign former championship-winning head coach Doc Rivers’s son, Austin Rivers, ahead of training camp’s start at the end of September according to MassLive’s Brian Robb.

“With Kornet, Mykhailiuk and Banton all on partially guaranteed deals, there’s a case to be made for Rivers to compete for a roster spot during training camp, if he’s willing to play without a big guarantee,” Robb prefaced before saying, “However, as the roster currently stands it’s tough to envision Boston bringing him in with the team pretty stocked in the backcourt after their summer dealing.” One situation that could open up a spot for Rivers was floated by Robb, however.

“Another trade during the preseason involving the backcourt could open a bigger need in the backcourt,” Robb wrote. “The 31-year-old Rivers has spent 11 seasons in the NBA and performed admirably in limited minutes for the Wolves last year, with 4.9 points and 1.4 assists per game. He had a very brief stint in Boston back in 2015 before he was dealt twice in a week to land with the Clippers.”

The Boston Celtics could use Austin Rivers’s veteran leadership

Rivers is not unlike the Beach Boys in that he has gotten around the NBA, suiting up for seven different franchises since entering the league in 2012. If the son of Doc wants to find a new place where the kids are hip, the Boston Celtics provide a ready-made contender with a need in the backcourt, and a specific veteran floor general void open.

No, Rivers cannot be what Marcus Smart was. No one who can be signed in September qualifies as such. But Rivers’s teams rarely miss the playoffs. Another winner in the Celtics locker room is the opposite of a bad thing.

And perhaps Boston needs a Rivers again to hang another banner from the TD Garden rafters.