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Los Angeles Clippers: The Pros And Cons Of Adding Austin Rivers

By Gerald Bourguet

December 6, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 6, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Austin Rivers
Dec 22, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers gives direction to his team against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Parental Blinders?

I don’t care what the numbers suggest; Austin Rivers is not a better NBA player than Jordan Farmar. He just isn’t. But even with Farmar’s struggles this season, there’s reason to worry that Doc’s parental blinders may make this team worse by pulling the trigger on this trade…or, in a worst-case scenario, giving his son too much leeway once it happens.

It’s only natural. Doc represents Austin’s best chance at turning his career around, and it makes sense for a father to believe in his son and want the best for him. What parent doesn’t want his child to succeed?

But in the NBA, if Rivers is unable to contribute off the bench and Doc takes too long to see it, this is going to become a distraction. Austin will already have enough problems being a contributor, but the media will be all over his case — and his father’s case — if this partnership is anything but perfect.

Next: Pro: Bench Needs Help

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