Austin Rivers knows what it feels to have a father who casts a long shadow. He shared some advice to Bronny James, the son of LeBron James — the greatest player in the world today.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, Rivers gave Bronny some short yet hefty advice for the 13-year-old.

“I didn't focus on trying to be Doc. I just tried to be myself.”

Rivers also tagged Bronny as the real thing, noting that he has seen lots of his highlights online. He claimed that he doesn't know a lot of middle-schoolers who can dunk like that. For Rivers, Bronny Jr. definitely has the hops and good genes.

Prior to his coaching career, Doc Rivers had a pretty decent playing career in the NBA. During his heydey, he was considered a fine guard and formed part of his teams' starting lineups. But it was his coaching career that put him on the basketball map.

The younger Rivers, meanwhile, is constantly improving as the years pass by. Though he also plays as a guard, his playstyle varies from his father.

Doc was known as a playmaker back in the day. Austin, meanwhile, is more of a scorer. Last season, he logged in a career-best of 15.1 points per game. He also played 61 games, 59 of which were starts — the most in his career.

Now, Austin will be on his own with the Washington Wizards. It'll be a chance to prove that he can play well without his father guiding him on the sidelines.