Five Keys To Clippers’ Success For The 2015-16 Season
By Daniel Knott
The Emergence of Austin Rivers
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Austin Rivers came into the Clippers organization with something to prove.
I’m confident that he wanted to show to the world that his signing had everything to do with his play on the court, rather than the relationship to his father, Doc Rivers.
Rivers, a high school All-American, had some difficulty transitioning into the NBA after his one season with the Duke Blue Devils.
Averaging less than 25 minutes per game, and shooting under 40% from the field in his rookie campaign, it appeared that Rivers had made the leap to the next level prematurely.
Despite the early struggles, it was clear that Rivers had potential, potential that exploded into reality on the biggest stage.
Rivers emerged onto the playoff scene posting solid numbers and hitting big time shots when the Clippers needed a lift.
Notable games included a breakout 16 point performance against San Antonio in the first round, and a monster 25 point performance against Houston in a pivotal game three.
Doc Rivers looked like the coach of the year, as well as a father of the year for adding Austin the line-up.
River’s contribution will be critical for the Clippers to have long-term success. He will be the first serviceable backup point-guard for Chris Paul since Eric Bledsoe left to sign with the Phoenix Suns.
Prior to the arrival of Rivers, when Chris Paul came off of the floor Jamal Crawford served as the primary ball-handler and initiator of the offense.
Though Crawford is a superb ball-handler, he is not the most suited candidate for running a fluid offense.
With a complete off-season as a Clipper, Rivers will have an opportunity to become more accustomed to the offense and have time to gel with the new and improved second unit.
His ability to facilitate will be a major factor in the success of the Clipper bench throughout the regular season.
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