Los Angeles Clippers: 2017-18 player grades for Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers is the victim of many unwarranted criticisms. Did his solid 2017-18 season with the Los Angeles Clippers prove he belongs in the league?

Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers had his best season as a pro during the 2017-18 campaign. He averaged career-highs with 15.1 points, 4.0 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Unfortunately, his progress was interrupted due to injury and play overshadowed by drama.

Rivers suffered a right heel bruise, causing him to miss time, including the entire month of January. On Jan. 15, while still on the sideline during the team’s 113-102 win over the Houston Rockets, he and forward Trevor Ariza were involved in a confrontation.

During the 2017 offseason, he dealt with negative comments from former Clippers forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Davis stated that Rivers was paid due to his father, Doc Rivers, being the head coach.

Drama-filled incidents like these have stuck with the 25-year-old and tarnished his reputation. Even as he continues to improve, he is seen as cocky and entitled. It led to Rivers responding to the criticisms in an interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

With the drama hopefully behind him, let’s look at something that few pay attention too when attacking Rivers: his play.