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Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers
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Austin James Rivers (born August 1, 1992) is an American former professional basketball player who is currently a sports analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports. The son of basketball coach and former player Doc Rivers, he played for 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the 2012 NBA draft, Rivers was selected with the 10th overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), playing three seasons there before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. After three years with the Clippers, he was traded to the Washington Wizards in June 2018. In December of the same year, he joined the Houston Rockets. He also played in the NBA for the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Key Information

Rivers led Winter Park High School to back-to-back Florida 6A state championships in 2010 and 2011. He also played in the 2011 Nike Hoop Summit for Team USA, and was a McDonald's All-American. He was one of the top rated high school basketball players in the class of 2011, being rated as high as No. 1 by Rivals.com. In October 2010, Rivers committed to Duke University.[1]

On January 16, 2015, Rivers became the first player in NBA history to play for his father, coach Doc Rivers, then-head coach of the Clippers.

High school career

[edit]

In 2010, Rivers led Winter Park High School to the school's first state title in a 76–57 win against Dr. Phillips High School in the 6A state championship. Rivers scored 23 points in the game.[2] In June 2010, Rivers was a part of the gold medal-winning team at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship where he set a Team USA record for an U18 event with 35 points against Canada.[3] On August 5, 2010, Rivers was named to the fifth annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 game,[4] where he was named co-MVP after he had 25 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.[5]

On September 30, 2010, Rivers committed to Duke University. His commitment was widely covered by ESPN and various other sports networks given his status as the Class of 2011's top recruit.[6] He officially signed with the program on November 16, 2010.[7]

On March 5, 2011, Rivers led Winter Park to back to back Florida 6A state championships with a 52–44 victory over Dr. Phillips High School, in which he had 25 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals.[8] Rivers was named the 2011 Naismith Prep Player of the Year on March 10, 2011.[9] He was also an All-American and All-State honoree, and played in the 2011 Nike Hoop Summit for Team USA.

College recruiting information
Name Hometown School Height Weight Commit date
Austin Rivers
SG[10]
Winter Park, Florida Winter Park High 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Sep 30, 2010 
Recruit ratings: Scout: 5/5 stars   Rivals: 5/5 stars   247Sports: 5/5 stars   (98)
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: 1 (SG); 3 (national); 2 (school)    Rivals: 1 (SG); 1 (national)    ESPN: 3 (national)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2011 Duke Basketball Commitment List". Rivals. Archived from the original on February 28, 2017. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
  • "2011 Duke College Basketball Team Recruiting Prospects". Scout. Archived from the original on February 28, 2017. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
  • "Duke Blue Devils 2011 Player Commits". ESPN. Retrieved February 28, 2017. {{cite web}}: Check |archive-url= value (help)
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
  • "2011 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved February 28, 2017.

College career

[edit]
Rivers with the Blue Devils in 2011

As a freshman, Rivers played in Duke's exhibition games in China and Dubai during an international tour in August 2011. In the first game against the China men's national basketball team, Rivers scored 18 points on 8–19 shooting and led Duke to a 77–64 victory. In the second game (also against the Chinese national team), Rivers scored 12 points in a 78–66 victory, making several dunks during the first half. In the final game played in Beijing, Rivers chipped in 11 points as Duke topped the Chinese, 93–78.[11] In his team's 86–66 victory over the Dubai national team, he scored 16 points, including 10 in the second quarter, on an array of impressive drives.

On February 8, 2012, his three-point basket as time expired allowed Duke to overcome an 82–72 deficit with two minutes to play in an 85–84 victory over the University of North Carolina.[12] The victory ended North Carolina's 31-game winning streak at the Dean Smith Center.[13]

On March 16, 2012, Rivers' college career ended in the "Round of 64" of the NCAA tournament, when Duke lost to Lehigh University. Rivers shot 5-of-14 from the field, while playing 34 minutes. Lehigh led for most of the game, earning their first NCAA Tournament victory.[14]

On March 26, 2012, Rivers declared for the NBA draft, foregoing his final three years of college eligibility.[15]

Professional career

[edit]

New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans (2012–2015)

[edit]
Rivers with the Pelicans during the NBA Summer League 2013

Rivers was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the 10th overall pick the 2012 NBA draft. Rivers chose to wear the #25 jersey, the same number his father wore when he was in the NBA. The night before the draft, Rivers said, "I want to be like my dad, only better." Joining him as a rookie on the Hornets was Anthony Davis, the first overall pick of the draft. On July 24, 2012, Rivers signed his rookie scale contract with the Hornets.[16] Three days later, Rivers underwent successful surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right ankle.[17]

On October 31, 2012, Rivers made his NBA debut in the Hornets' season opener against the San Antonio Spurs. In 24 minutes as a starter, he scored 7 points on 1-of-9 shooting in a 99–95 loss.[18] On December 14, he scored a then career-high 27 points in a 113–102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[19] On March 6, 2013, he broke his hand and subsequently required surgery that forced him to miss the remainder of the season.[20] For his rookie season, he averaged 6.2 points on 37% shooting from the field and 33% from three-point range. In April 2013, the Hornets changed their name to the Pelicans.

On October 16, 2013, the Pelicans exercised their third-year team option on Rivers' rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2014–15 season.[21] On April 12, 2014, Rivers recorded season highs in points and rebounds with 20 and 10, respectively, in the Pelicans' 111–104 loss to the Houston Rockets.[22]

On October 24, 2014, the Pelicans declined to exercise their fourth-year team option on Rivers' rookie scale contract, thereby not extending the contract through the 2015–16 season.[23][24] On December 20, 2014, he scored a season-high 21 points in a 114–88 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.[25]

Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2018)

[edit]
Rivers goes for a layup in 2016

On January 12, 2015, Rivers was traded to the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade involving the Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies.[26] Three days later, he joined his father on the Los Angeles Clippers after he was traded in a three-team trade involving the Celtics and the Phoenix Suns.[27] On January 16, Rivers made his debut for the Clippers and became the first son to play for his father in an NBA game.[28] On February 21, Rivers scored a then-career-high 28 points in a 129–98 win over the Sacramento Kings.[29] On May 8, he scored a playoff career-high 25 points in the Clippers' 124–99 victory that gave them a 2–1 lead in the Western Conference semi-finals against the Houston Rockets.[30]

On July 13, 2015, Rivers re-signed with the Clippers.[31] On February 6, 2016, he was ruled out for four to six weeks with a broken left hand.[32] On March 31, he scored a career-high 32 points in a 119–117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.[33] On April 29, Rivers recorded 21 points and eight assists against the Portland Trail Blazers in game 6 of their first-round playoff series. However, with a 106–103 loss, the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs. In the game, Rivers required 11 stitches above his left eye from a collision in the first quarter.[34]

On July 8, 2016, Rivers again re-signed with the Clippers.[35] On December 14, 2016, he scored a season-high 25 points on 7-of-10 from three-point range and 9-of-12 from the field in a 113–108 win over the Orlando Magic.[36] On January 4, 2017, he set a new season high with 28 points in a 115–106 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.[37] He averaged career highs of 12.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists during the 2016–17 regular season, but due to a strained left hamstring, Rivers missed the last six games of the regular season and the first four games of the playoffs before returning in game 5 of the Clippers' first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz.[38]

On December 3, 2017, Rivers scored a season-high 30 points in a 112–106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[39] On December 22, 2017, he scored 30 of his career-high 36 points in the second half of the Clippers' 128–118 win over the Houston Rockets.[40] The following night, he set a new career high with 38 points in a 115–112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.[41] Rivers missed 18 games between late December and early February with a heel bruise.[42][43]

Washington Wizards (2018)

[edit]

On June 26, 2018, Rivers was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Marcin Gortat.[44][45] On December 17, 2018, Rivers was traded with Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Phoenix Suns for Trevor Ariza.[46] Rivers was waived by the Suns the following day.[47]

Houston Rockets (2018–2020)

[edit]
Man shooting a basketball
Austin Rivers shooting

On December 24, 2018, Rivers signed with the Houston Rockets.[48] On January 5, 2019, he scored a season-high 21 points in a 110–101 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.[49] On April 7, in a 149–113 blowout win against the Phoenix Suns, Rivers made the 27th three-pointer of the game with 1:09 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, beating the Rockets' own previous record of most made threes by one team in a game (26).[50][51] He appeared in 47 games while averaging 8.7 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 28.6 minutes per game. The Rockets won 72% of their games after signing Rivers. He started 13 straight games as a Rocket from December 31 through January 25, averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 38.1 minutes per game. Houston was 15–5 when Rivers scored in double figures and 9–1 when he recorded at least four assists. He also had nearly as many steals (29) as turnovers (32) with the Rockets.[52] On August 9, 2020, Rivers scored a career-high 41 points off the bench and the Rockets used a big third quarter to pull away and cruise to a 129–112 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the Orlando bubble. Rivers made six 3-pointers as Houston improved to 4–1 at Disney on a night the Rockets played a second straight game without Russell Westbrook, who had a bruised right quadriceps.[53]

New York Knicks (2020–2021)

[edit]

On November 27, 2020, Rivers was acquired by the New York Knicks via a sign-and-trade deal.[54] On March 25, 2021, Rivers was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three team trade[55] and was waived three days later.[56]

Denver Nuggets (2021–2022)

[edit]

On April 20, 2021, the Denver Nuggets signed Rivers to a 10-day contract[57] following a season ending injury sustained by Jamal Murray.[58] Ten days later, he was signed for the rest of the season.[59]

On September 1, 2021, Rivers re-signed with the Nuggets.[60]

Minnesota Timberwolves (2022–2023)

[edit]

On July 14, 2022, Rivers signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.[61] On February 4, 2023, Rivers was suspended by the NBA for three games without pay due to his role in an altercation during a game against the Orlando Magic the day before. During the altercation, Rivers threw punches at Magic center Mo Bamba.[62]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

On October 23, 2023, it was announced that Rivers was hired by ESPN as an NBA analyst.[63]

Rivers joined NBC Sports for its college basketball and NBA coverage in 2025.[64][65]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2012–13 New Orleans 61 26 23.2 .372 .326 .546 1.8 2.1 .4 .1 6.2
2013–14 New Orleans 69 4 19.4 .405 .364 .636 1.9 2.3 .7 .1 7.7
2014–15 New Orleans 35 3 22.1 .387 .280 .746 1.9 2.5 .5 .2 6.8
L.A. Clippers 41 2 19.3 .427 .309 .582 2.0 1.7 .7 .2 7.1
2015–16 L.A. Clippers 67 7 21.9 .438 .335 .681 1.9 1.5 .7 .1 8.9
2016–17 L.A. Clippers 74 29 27.8 .442 .371 .691 2.2 2.8 .7 .1 12.0
2017–18 L.A. Clippers 61 59 33.7 .424 .378 .642 2.4 4.0 1.2 .3 15.1
2018–19 Washington 29 2 23.6 .392 .311 .543 2.4 2.0 .6 .3 7.2
Houston 47 13 28.6 .413 .321 .510 1.9 2.3 .6 .3 8.7
2019–20 Houston 68 4 23.4 .421 .356 .703 2.6 1.7 .7 .1 8.8
2020–21 New York 21 2 21.0 .430 .364 .714 2.2 2.0 .6 .0 7.3
Denver 15 5 26.9 .418 .375 .706 2.3 2.6 1.2 .1 8.7
2021–22 Denver 67 18 22.1 .417 .342 .727 1.7 1.3 .8 .1 6.0
2022–23 Minnesota 52 10 19.5 .435 .350 .769 1.6 1.4 .5 .1 4.9
Career 707 184 23.8 .419 .349 .653 2.0 2.1 .7 .2 8.5

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2015 L.A. Clippers 14 2 17.9 .438 .371 .632 1.7 1.1 .7 .3 8.4
2016 L.A. Clippers 6 2 24.0 .426 .235 .667 2.7 2.7 .5 .0 10.3
2017 L.A. Clippers 3 2 30.1 .346 .308 1.000 2.7 .7 .3 .3 8.0
2019 Houston 10 0 21.5 .435 .457 .667 2.1 1.0 .5 .1 7.4
2020 Houston 12 0 17.6 .311 .257 .769 2.5 1.3 .6 .1 4.8
2021 Denver 10 9 30.5 .435 .413 .813 1.7 2.1 .2 .3 9.2
2022 Denver 5 0 21.6 .444 .333 1.000 .6 1.2 1.4 .2 4.2
2023 Minnesota 4 0 11.6 .500 .333 1.3 .3 .3 .0 2.5
Career 64 15 21.4 .412 .357 .727 1.9 1.4 .6 .2 7.1

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2011–12 Duke 34 33 33.2 .433 .365 .658 3.4 2.1 1.0 .0 15.5

Personal life

[edit]

Rivers was born in Santa Monica, California, the son of Milwaukee Bucks head coach and former player Doc Rivers and Kristen Rivers (née Campion).[66][67] Doc Rivers was a former player who had joined the Los Angeles Clippers the summer of his son's birth. His older brother, Jeremiah, played basketball for Georgetown and Indiana and later joined the Maine Red Claws, while his older sister Callie played volleyball for the University of Florida and is married to his former Duke teammate and current Golden State Warriors player Seth Curry.[68] His younger brother, Spencer, was a guard who played for UC Irvine from 2014 to 2019.[citation needed]

He was named Austin after former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Austin Carr, while his middle name, James, is in honor of his great-uncle Jim Brewer.[69]

His first child, a son with Brittany Hotard, was born in 2018. Rivers' two children with Audreyana Michelle, a son and a daughter, were born in March 2021 and June 2024.[70][71]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Austin Rivers is an American former professional player known for his 11-season career as a shooting guard and in the (NBA). Born Austin James Rivers on August 1, 1992, in , he is the son of longtime NBA coach and Kristen Rivers, with siblings Jeremiah, , and Spencer. Growing up in a basketball family, Rivers developed his skills early and attended Winter Park High School in , where he became a standout player, earning national recognition as the Naismith High School Player of the Year in 2011 and having his jersey retired in 2016. He committed to for one season (2011–2012), averaging 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while helping the Blue Devils reach the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32. Selected 10th overall in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), Rivers began his professional career with the team, appearing in 67 games as a rookie before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2015, where he notably played under his father's coaching from 2015 to 2018, achieving a career-best season in 2017–18 with averages of 11.2 points per game. Over his NBA tenure, he suited up for seven franchises—New Orleans Pelicans (2012–2015), Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2018), Washington Wizards (2018–2019), Houston Rockets (2019–2020), New York Knicks (2020–2021), Denver Nuggets (2021–2022), and Minnesota Timberwolves (2022–2023)—appearing in 707 regular-season games and tallying career averages of 8.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, along with a high of 41 points in a single game against the Sacramento Kings in 2020. Rivers' career highlights include his role in the Clippers' playoff runs during his time with his father and a career-high 10 assists in a game against the in 2017, though he did not win an NBA championship or individual awards. After last playing in the 2022–23 season with the Timberwolves, where he averaged 4.9 in 52 appearances, Rivers became a and is currently a basketball analyst for and as of 2025.

Early life and education

Early life

Austin James Rivers was born on August 1, 1992, in Santa Monica, California. He is the son of NBA coach and former player Doc Rivers and his wife, Kristen Rivers. Rivers has three siblings: older brother Jeremiah, older sister Callie, and younger brother Spencer. His sister Callie is married to professional basketball player Seth Curry. From an early age, Rivers was immersed in the world of professional due to his father's career. played as a for the during the 1991–1992 NBA season, coinciding with Austin's birth and infancy, providing the young Rivers with direct exposure to the sport's highest level. In 1999, when was hired as of the , the family relocated to , a of Orlando. There, Rivers began his initial youth experiences, joining local teams where he initially viewed himself as one of the weaker players but gradually built foundational skills amid the competitive environment. This early period, influenced heavily by his father's guidance, fostered Rivers' aspirations to pursue a career in .

High school career

Rivers attended Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Florida, throughout his high school career from 2007 to 2011. As a junior in the 2009–10 season, he led the Wildcats to their first Florida Class 6A state championship with a 76–57 victory over Dr. Phillips High School in the final, scoring prolifically throughout the tournament. In his senior year of 2010–11, Rivers guided Winter Park to a repeat title, defeating Dr. Phillips again 52–44 in the championship game where he contributed 25 points and 11 rebounds. Rivers earned Florida Mr. Basketball honors in 2011 for his outstanding performance, which included leading the state in scoring. He was selected as a McDonald's All-American that same year, playing for the West team in the prestigious . He was also named the 2011 Naismith National High School Player of the Year. During his senior season, he averaged 28.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while helping the team achieve a 29–5 record. As the top-ranked recruit in the class of 2011, Rivers drew interest from elite college programs including , , and before committing to on September 30, 2010. His decision bolstered Duke's recruiting class, where he was seen as a key addition to the backcourt following his father's storied NBA legacy. In 2016, Winter Park High School retired Rivers' jersey number 25.

College career

Austin Rivers played one season of for the during the 2011–12 season under head coach . As a highly touted recruit from in , Rivers committed to on September 30, 2010, choosing the program over several other top suitors. He appeared in all 34 games as a , starting 33, and averaged 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. His scoring prowess earned him recognition as the ACC Rookie of the Year and a spot on the ACC All- Team. One of the highlights of Rivers' college tenure came on February 8, 2012, when he hit a dramatic buzzer-beating 3-pointer to secure an 85–84 victory over rival in Chapel Hill, ending the Tar Heels' 31-game home . In that game, Rivers scored a season-high 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting.[](https://www.espn.com/m mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/320390153/duke-north-carolina) The win helped propel to a strong finish in conference play, where the Blue Devils posted a 13–3 record to secure second place in the ACC regular season standings behind . entered the 2012 ACC Tournament as the No. 2 seed but fell to Florida State in the semifinals, 62–59. In the NCAA Tournament, earned a No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region but suffered a shocking first-round upset loss to No. 15 Lehigh, 75–70, on March 16, 2012, in . Rivers contributed 19 points in the defeat but could not prevent the early exit. Following the season, on March 26, 2012, Rivers announced his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the , hiring an agent in the process.

Professional basketball career

New Orleans Pelicans (2012–2015)

Austin Rivers was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the 10th overall pick in the out of . As the son of former NBA player and coach , he entered the league with high expectations as a versatile known for his scoring ability and athleticism. The Hornets, who had relocated from Charlotte and were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, viewed Rivers as a key piece to develop alongside emerging talent like . In his rookie season of 2012–13, Rivers faced significant challenges, including a preseason ankle injury that required arthroscopic surgery to remove chips, delaying his debut until late . He appeared in 61 games, starting 26 due to injuries to other backcourt players like and , but struggled with efficiency and consistency in a limited role off the bench for much of the year. Rivers averaged 6.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 23.2 minutes, shooting 37.4 percent from the field. His season was further disrupted in March when he fractured a in his right hand against the , causing him to miss the final 21 games. Despite the setbacks, Rivers showed flashes of potential, particularly in transition scoring and perimeter defense, as the team finished with a 27–55 record under coach . The franchise underwent a ahead of the 2013–14 season, officially becoming the in May 2013 to reflect local heritage and distance from the original Charlotte Hornets identity. Rivers demonstrated notable improvement in his year, benefiting from a full offseason to refine his shot and decision-making. He played in all 69 games, averaging 7.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 19.4 minutes per game, with a slight uptick in field-goal percentage to 40.1. Coach Williams experimented with Rivers in the for stretches, particularly when injuries sidelined veterans, allowing him to handle the ball more and improve his playmaking. By season's end, Rivers averaged 16.0 points over the Pelicans' final four games, signaling growing confidence and earning praise from Williams for his maturation as a . The Pelicans improved to 34–48, buoyed by Rivers' development alongside Davis, though the team still missed the . Entering the 2014–15 season, Rivers continued to battle for minutes amid backcourt competition from and , starting 7 of his 35 games with the Pelicans before the deadline. He averaged 6.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 22.1 minutes, maintaining a bench role focused on perimeter shooting and energy plays. Persistent rumors swirled around Rivers throughout the year, fueled by the Pelicans' need for frontcourt depth and his impending restricted free agency. On January 15, 2015, he was dealt in a three-team to the in exchange for assets including a first-round pick, ending his tenure in New Orleans after two and a half seasons. Over 165 regular-season games with the Hornets/Pelicans, Rivers averaged 6.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in 21.6 minutes, starting 33 contests while adapting to a rebuilding roster marked by injuries and transitions. His time in New Orleans laid the foundation for his NBA career, emphasizing resilience amid early professional hurdles.

Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2018)

On January 15, 2015, the acquired Austin Rivers from the in a three-team trade also involving the , reuniting him with his , , who served as the 's head coach. This move marked the first instance in NBA history of a father coaching his on the same , drawing significant attention to the dynamic while Rivers adjusted to a reserve role alongside established stars like and . In the remaining 41 games of the 2014–15 regular season, he averaged 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game off the bench, contributing to the ' 56–26 record and their advancement to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they fell to the in seven games. Rivers solidified his position as a key reserve during the 2015–16 season, appearing in 67 games with just seven starts and posting averages of 8.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, helping the Clippers secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a 53–29 record. His defensive energy and perimeter shooting provided valuable depth in the backcourt, particularly during playoff matchups, as the team reached the first round but lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in six games. Playing under his father's guidance fostered professional growth amid public scrutiny, with Rivers later reflecting that the experience honed his resilience and work ethic without favoritism. By the 2016–17 season, Rivers' role expanded significantly, starting 29 of 74 games and achieving season averages of 12.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, often sharing the court with Paul at and Griffin at in lineups designed to maximize spacing and transition play. The Clippers again earned a playoff berth as the No. 4 seed (51–31 record) but were eliminated in the first round by the in a three-game sweep. His improved scoring efficiency and playmaking became integral to the team's offensive flow, particularly as injuries tested the roster's depth. Rivers reached his peak with the Clippers in 2017–18, starting 59 of 61 games and delivering career-high averages of 15.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing enhanced shot creation and in the backcourt. However, the team struggled to a 42–40 record and missed the for the first time during his tenure, signaling the onset of a rebuild. Over his three full seasons from 2015–16 to 2017–18, Rivers appeared in 202 regular-season games, averaging 12.0 points and 2.8 assists while evolving from a bench contributor to a starting-caliber guard. On June 26, 2018, amid the franchise's shift toward youth and asset accumulation, he was traded to the for center , ending the notable father-son partnership.

Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets (2018–2020)

On June 26, 2018, the traded Austin Rivers to the in exchange for center . In the 2018–19 season, Rivers served as a bench guard for the Wizards, appearing in 29 games and averaging 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 39.2% from the field. On December 15, 2018, the Wizards traded Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Phoenix Suns for Trevor Ariza, but the Suns waived Rivers the following day. He signed with the Houston Rockets on December 24, 2018, for the remainder of the season. Joining a Rockets team led by James Harden and Chris Paul, Rivers filled a backup guard role, providing scoring and defensive versatility off the bench. In the remaining 47 regular-season games of 2018–19, he averaged 8.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 36.6% from three-point range. During the playoffs, Rivers contributed to Houston's run to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games; he appeared in all 10 postseason contests, averaging 7.4 points per game. In the 2019–20 season, Rivers remained with the Rockets as a key reserve, playing in 68 games and averaging 8.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from the field. The season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a restart in the NBA bubble at Walt Disney World, where the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games; Rivers averaged 4.8 points in 12 playoff appearances. Across his tenures with the Wizards and Rockets from 2018 to 2020, Rivers played 144 regular-season games, averaging 8.3 points and 2.0 assists per game.

New York Knicks (2020–2021)

On November 27, 2020, Rivers was acquired by the via a from the , agreeing to a three-year, $10 million contract with the final two years non-guaranteed. This move came after Rivers became a following his release from the earlier in the offseason, marking his seventh NBA team in eight seasons. During the 2020–21 season, shortened to 72 games due to the , Rivers served primarily as a bench guard for the Knicks under first-year head coach , often functioning as the in the backcourt alongside starters and Elfrid Payton. In 21 games with New York, he averaged 7.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.6 steals in 21.0 minutes per game, starting twice. His shooting efficiency included 43.0% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range, providing spacing and scoring punch off the bench during a Knicks resurgence that saw them improve from a 21-45 record the prior season. Notable performances included a 25-point outburst in just 11 first-half minutes against the on January 26, 2021, where he shot a perfect 10-of-10 from the field, though the Knicks fell 105-99. Rivers' contributions helped stabilize the Knicks' rotation amid injuries and the league's health protocols, as New York started the season 15-8 and climbed to fourth in the Eastern Conference. However, his role diminished after the Knicks acquired in February 2021, limiting him to under five minutes in his final two appearances. On March 25, 2021, Rivers was traded to the as part of a three-team deal that brought veteran George Hill to New York. The waived Rivers on March 28, 2021, without him appearing in a game for the team. On April 20, 2021, he signed a 10-day with the , which was converted to a for the remainder of the season. The Knicks went on to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2013, finishing 41-31, though Rivers did not participate in the postseason.

Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves (2021–2023)

On April 20, 2021, the signed Rivers to a 10-day contract following a season-ending injury to , which was later converted to the remainder of the 2020–21 season. In 15 games with Denver that season, he averaged 3.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 26.9 minutes, starting 5 contests. Following his time with the earlier in the 2020–21 season, Rivers signed a one-year contract with the on August 1, 2021. In the 2021–22 season, he assumed a bench role for the Nuggets, appearing in 67 games while starting 18, and averaged 6.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 22.1 minutes per game. An early-season injury sidelined him for eight games in December, limiting his initial rhythm, but he settled into a consistent rotation spot as a perimeter defender and shooter thereafter. The Nuggets advanced to the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the in five games, during which Rivers contributed off the bench in all five contests, averaging 4.2 points and 1.2 assists in 21.6 minutes per game. As a following the 2021–22 campaign, Rivers agreed to a one-year, veteran-minimum contract with the on July 14, 2022, reuniting him with former Nuggets executive , who had joined Minnesota's front office. During the 2022–23 regular season, he played in 52 games for the Timberwolves, starting 10, and posted averages of 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.5 minutes per game, primarily serving as a backup guard with occasional starts amid backcourt injuries. His scoring from beyond the arc—shooting 36.7% on 2.3 attempts per game—provided spacing for Minnesota's young core, though his role diminished late in the season. The Timberwolves qualified for the as the eighth seed in the Western Conference but fell to the Nuggets in the first round (4–1), with Rivers appearing in four games and averaging 2.5 points in limited minutes off the bench. Across his final two seasons with the Nuggets and Timberwolves, he appeared in 119 regular-season games, averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 assists per game, along with 1.6 rebounds in 20.8 minutes.

International and retirement (2023–present)

After concluding his NBA tenure with the , where he appeared in 52 games during the 2022–23 season, Rivers did not sign with another professional team following the expiration of his contract in 2023. He officially retired from in October 2025 at age 33, capping an 11-season career in which he played 707 regular-season games across seven franchises, averaging 8.5 points per game. Rivers reflected on his transition as one he had anticipated and planned for years in advance, emphasizing the importance of retiring on his own terms rather than chasing diminishing opportunities as a veteran journeyman. As the son of longtime NBA coach and former player , he acknowledged the unique pressures of being a second-generation but expressed satisfaction with achieving a decade-plus of professional play despite early hype as a top high school recruit. His motivations for stepping away included a desire to prioritize family time and explore media opportunities, which aligned with his growing interest in broadcasting during the latter stages of his career.

Post-playing career

Broadcasting career

Following the end of his playing career after the , Austin Rivers transitioned into broadcasting by joining as an NBA studio analyst in October 2023. He contributed to shows such as and , providing analysis during the 2023-24 NBA season. This role marked his initial foray into media, leveraging his 11-year NBA experience across multiple teams. In 2025, Rivers expanded his broadcasting presence by signing with , where he serves as a game analyst for both and NBA coverage. His college basketball duties began in 2025, including calls for games like Indiana-Michigan State on Peacock. For the NBA, he contributes to 's coverage of up to 100 regular-season games starting in fall 2025, with additional playoff assignments and occasional studio work on and Peacock. This non-exclusive deal allows him to continue select contributions. As of November 2025, Rivers continues to provide game analysis for programming, including discussions on key player performances during the 2025-26 season. Rivers has been noted for his commentary on player-coach dynamics, drawing from his experience playing under his father, , during his time with the . He has made guest appearances on programs like , discussing topics such as matchups and Team USA performances in 2024. His work has received praise for offering an authentic insider perspective, particularly on the challenges faced by second-generation athletes in professional sports.

Other ventures

After concluding his playing career following the 2022–23 NBA season, Austin Rivers has sponsored the SE Elite Grassroots Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit AAU organization based in , which provides competitive playing opportunities and skill development for youth athletes in the region. The program, officially named Austin Rivers SE Elite, focuses on players through tryouts and grassroots circuits, emphasizing community-based access for underserved young talent in . Rivers' involvement supports efforts, drawing from his own experiences to guide emerging players on and off the court. In addition to his sponsorship role, Rivers hosts the podcast Off Guard with Austin Rivers on The Ringer network, co-hosted with longtime friend Pausha Haghighi, where they offer insider perspectives on NBA topics through conversations and analysis. Launched post-playing career, the show highlights his transition into media production beyond traditional broadcasting. Rivers has explored endorsement opportunities in clothing and media post-playing career, though no major new deals have been publicly announced as of 2025. His community efforts through SE Elite underscore ongoing involvement in youth development without notable post-NBA awards.

Career statistics and accomplishments

NBA statistics

Austin Rivers played 707 games in his NBA regular season career, accumulating 5,996 points for an average of 8.5 , 1,442 rebounds at 2.0 rebounds per game, and 1,513 assists at 2.1 assists per game. His career shooting splits were 41.9% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. Advanced metrics highlight a (PER) of 9.7 and a of 51.6%, reflecting his efficiency as a . The following table summarizes his regular season per-game averages by year and team, focusing on key categories such as , minutes per game, , three-point percentage, percentage, and .
SeasonTeam(s)GMPFG%3P%FT%PTS
2012-136123.2.372.326.5466.2
2013-14NOP6919.4.405.364.6367.7
2014-15NOP, LAC7620.6.409.298.6757.0
2015-16LAC6721.9.438.335.6818.9
2016-17LAC7427.8.442.371.69112.0
2017-18LAC6133.7.424.378.64215.1
2018-19WAS, HOU7626.7.406.318.5268.1
2019-20HOU6823.4.421.356.7038.8
2020-21NYK, 3623.5.424.369.7107.9
2021-226722.1.417.342.7276.0
2022-23MIN5219.5.435.350.7694.9
Career70723.8.419.349.6538.5
In the playoffs, Rivers appeared in 64 games, averaging 7.1 , with notable contributions during the 2019 Western Conference Finals alongside the , where he helped the team in their series against the .

College statistics

During his lone season at in 2011–12, Austin Rivers appeared in all 34 games, starting each one and averaging 33.2 minutes per contest. He contributed significantly to the Blue Devils' offense, which ranked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) at 75.4 in conference play. Rivers averaged 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 43.3 percent from the field, 36.5 percent from three-point range, and 65.6 percent from the free-throw line. | Season | School | Conf | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS | |--------|--------|------|---|----|----|-----|-----|----|-----|-----|----|-----|-----|----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----| | 2011-12 | | ACC | 34 | 33.2 | 5.3 | 12.3 | .433 | 1.7 | 4.7 | .365 | 3.6 | 7.6 | .471 | 3.2 | 4.9 | .658 | 0.5 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 15.5 | Rivers ranked eighth in the ACC in scoring average (15.5 points per game) and fifth in total points (527), underscoring his role as a key offensive contributor for , which finished second in the conference standings with a 13–3 record. His perimeter shooting and playmaking helped power the team's efficient attack, though turnovers (2.6 per game) occasionally hampered possessions. Among his standout performances, Rivers scored a then-career-high 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three-point range, in a 85–84 victory over on February 8, 2012, capped by his game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. In the NCAA Tournament's opening round against Lehigh on March 16, 2012, he led with 30 points on 9-of-24 shooting, despite the Blue Devils' 75–70 upset loss. These games highlighted his scoring prowess in high-stakes matchups, even as Duke's season ended early.

Awards and honors

During his high school career at , Austin Rivers led the team to back-to-back Florida Class 6A state championships in 2010 and 2011. He was named a first-team All-American in 2011 and selected to the that same year. At , Rivers earned spots on the ACC All-Freshman Team and the ACC All-Tournament Second Team in 2012. In the NBA, Rivers did not receive major individual awards but participated in the six times across his career with the (2015–2017), (2019–2020), and (2021–2022). As of November 2025, he has not received any post-retirement honors.

Personal life

Family background

Austin Rivers was born on August 1, 1992, in , to former NBA player and coach and his then-wife Kristen Rivers (née Campion), whom Doc married in 1986 after meeting at . The couple had four children together before separating around 2014 and finalizing their divorce in 2019. Rivers has three siblings: older brother Jeremiah, older sister Callie, and younger brother Spencer. Jeremiah, born in 1987, pursued a basketball career, playing collegiately at Georgetown and Indiana universities before transitioning into business as co-founder of a sports management firm. Callie, born in 1989, excelled in volleyball at the University of Florida, earning All-SEC honors, and later built a media career co-hosting the podcast "Bachelor Party" after retiring from professional play; she married NBA player in 2019. Spencer, the youngest born in 1998, played at the University of California, Irvine, before entering the NBA coaching ranks in 2023 as a player development associate with the . Rivers' paternal grandparents, Grady and Bettye Rivers, played significant roles in his early upbringing, instilling values of discipline and hard work. Grady, a Chicago police lieutenant and youth coach, emphasized principled living and consistency, influencing the family's approach to athletics and life. Bettye, who passed away in 2015, was described by Rivers as a foundational "rock" for the family, providing emotional support during his childhood. The family's relocations were closely tied to Doc Rivers' coaching career, beginning with Austin's birth in California during Doc's playing days with the Clippers, followed by a move to Orlando, Florida, in the mid-1990s when Doc joined the Magic as a player and later coach from 1999 to 2003. The family remained based in Florida through Doc's subsequent roles with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers, allowing Austin to grow up primarily in Winter Park and attend local schools. Throughout his professional transitions, including stints with multiple NBA teams and his shift to , Rivers has credited his family's ongoing support—particularly from his parents and siblings—for helping him navigate challenges and maintain balance.

Philanthropy and interests

Rivers established the Austin Rivers Foundation in to support underprivileged, abused, neglected, and at-risk youth, organizing events such as holiday shopping sprees in partnership with organizations like Olive Crest and to provide gifts and create positive experiences for children in need. The foundation's inaugural event in , involved 24 youths receiving $100 gift cards, pizza, and autographed items, reflecting Rivers' commitment to giving back to underserved communities. Throughout his NBA , Rivers actively participated in NBA Cares programs, including hosting a Make-A-Wish event in 2013 for a teenage fan and leading holiday shopping outings for Big Brothers Big Sisters participants, with an emphasis on promoting and . Beyond philanthropy, Rivers pursues personal interests that highlight his life outside basketball. He is an avid golfer, frequently engaging with the sport as a recreational outlet and even publicly celebrating key moments in games with golf-related enthusiasm. Travel remains a favored hobby, often centered around family trips that allow him to explore new destinations while prioritizing quality time away from professional commitments. In 2025, Rivers has focused on mentoring emerging athletes and fans via his podcast Off Guard With Austin Rivers and social media, offering career advice drawn from his experiences. Rivers maintains a private family life as the father of three children: a son, Kayden James (born August 2018), with his ex-partner Brittany Hotard, and a son, (born March 2021), along with a daughter (born June 2024), with his fiancée Audreyana Michelle. He consistently stresses the importance of shielding his children from public scrutiny to foster their well-being amid his high-profile background.

References

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