Earlier this summer time Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported that the Boston Celtics had an curiosity in free agent guard Austin Rivers. The Celtics have two open roster spots after waiving ahead Justin Champagnie (who has since signed with the Warmth).
Final season the Celtics had three guards rotating all through the sport between Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Marcus Sensible. With Sensible now in Memphis, the Celtics are one “starter-worthy” guard brief.
This can be a important offseason for Payton Pritchard, who determined to play on the USA Choose Crew previous to coaching camp in October. Final season, Joe Mazzulla used Pritchard sparingly all through the common season due to the depth the Celtics had on the place which led to reviews of Pritchard wanting a commerce — not as a result of he was sad with Boston, however reasonably as a result of he wished to play.
Whether or not Mazzulla will give Pritchard many minutes this season stays to be seen, but when Mazzulla wishes extra depth or a more practical defensive guard, Brad Stevens might contact one of many higher free agent choices. Boston can provide Rivers a veteran minimal deal of round $2 million.
The previous Blue Satan is getting into his twelfth season within the league after being the tenth choose within the 2012 draft. Rivers, who was identified for his offensive prowess in highschool and faculty, is now extra of an on-ball, defense-first participant.
In 52 video games with the Timberwolves final season, Rivers had a defensive score of 117.4. With the lack of Sensible, Mazzulla might consider bringing in a veteran who may help bolster the backcourt and bridge the defensive hole left by Sensible.
The beneath tweet is from the 2022 playoffs when Rivers was with the Nuggets and had an excellent defensive efficiency in opposition to the Warriors.
An Austin Rivers protection appreciation publish. Effort, sure. However consideration to element and communication stood out to me. And refusing to be screened in DHO motion on steal #4?! Sensible stuff. #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/23Kr2p3ifL
— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) April 25, 2022
Earlier this summer time, Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports activities, reported that the Celtics had been inquisitive about Patrick Beverley. As an alternative, Beverley signed with the Philadelphia Sixers. If the Celtics desire a defensive guard, one of many higher defensive guards left available on the market is Rivers.
Rivers, who has performed for seven groups in his profession, has profession averages of 8.5 factors, 0.7 steals, 2 assists, and a pair of rebounds. In his profession Rivers shoots 41.9% from the sector and 34.9% from three.
Boston could also be his most viable choice to win a hoop. It could be becoming if Rivers got here to Boston to win a championship which might be Boston’s first since his father coached the Celtics to Banner 17 in 2008.
