Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers is a professional basketball player who is playing for the Denver Nuggets. He became prominent for being included in the top-rated high school basketball players as per Rivals.com. In 2015, he became the first player to play for his father, Doc Rivers.

Early and Personal Life

Rivers was born and raised in Santa Monica, California, and he was mainly influenced by his father, basketball coach Doc Rivers, and his siblings, Jeremiah, Callie, and Spencer.

When Rivers was in high school, he became one of the key players to lead his school to win the state title against Dr. Phillips High School. At the same time, he contributed 23 points to the team. In 2010, he became part of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship and scored 35 points. In the same year, he was hailed to the Boost Elite 24 game and became Most Valuable Player with 25 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds.

In September 2010, he announced his commitment to Duke University to play basketball under their team, and this was widely covered by some sports networks because of his top status in Class 2011. Before he could be part of the university basketball program, he helped Winter Park High School to dominate a back-to-back championship against Dr. Phillips High School.

College Career

Rivers became part of the China men's national basketball team during Duke University's international tour, where he scored 18 points and led Duke to victory. In the second game, he contributed 12 points, while in their final game, he scored 11 points.

Unfortunately in March 2012, Rivers' successful college basketball career ended, because Lehigh University was able to top them. Lehigh, as an underdog participant, had earned their first NCAA Tournament championship title. A few days later, Rivers announced that he's hoping to get into the NBA Draft.

NBA Draft and Career

Rivers became the 10th overall pick by the New Orleans and decided to wear his father's number "25". He signed a contract with the Hornets in July 2012, yet 3 days later, he underwent surgery due to a bone spur on his right ankle.

In October 2012, he was able to debut with the Hornets against the San Antonio Spurs, where he had only contributed 7 points in 24 minutes. By December, he recorded a career-high 27 points, however, their team suffered a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. By the following year, he underwent another surgery that made him miss the rest of the season.

In January 2015, Rivers was traded to the Boston Celtics, however, he decided to join the Los Angeles Clippers for his father. A few days later, he debuted and the Rivers' father-and-son tandem became the first familial partnership in NBA history.

Moving forward, Rivers is currently signed with the Denver Nuggets to replace Jamal Murray due to injury. After his 10-day contract was over, he decided to resign from the Nuggets and stay in the team.

Team History:

• 2018–2020 - Houston Rockets
• 2020–2021 - New York Knicks
• 2021–present - Denver Nuggets

Achievements:

• 2010 Second-team Parade All-American
• 2011 Florida Mr. Basketball
• 2011 McDonald's All-American
• 2011 Naismith Prep Player of the

Year

• 2012 ACC Rookie of the Year