The Los Angeles Clippers decided to part ways with point guard Austin Rivers on Tuesday, trading the Orlando native to the Washington Wizards for Polish-born big man Marcin Gortat.
As most hoops fans know, Rivers, now 25 years of age, is the son of Clippers head coach Doc Rivers. Austin played three seasons under his father in what was the first father-son duo in NBA history as well as one of the most heavily-scrutinized times of his life.
Though his time in LA has come to an end, Rivers wanted to take a moment to thank his fans in the city. The former Duke Blue Devil posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to express his gratitude.
“Wow, I really don’t know where to start or how to put all of my emotions and feelings into words, but I’ll just start out by saying Thank You, first and foremost to the city of LA and to the fans of the LA Clippers. You have done nothing but show me love and positivity. The acceptance you gave me along with taking a chance on me 4 years ago, means the world to me! At that time I hadn’t shown much in the league….and was still trying to learn. And for you all to accept me and give me a chance to grow and play means more than you will ever know. People really don’t understand what positivity can do for someone’s confidence.
“And to the Clippers fan base…. I really appreciate you all helping me find my confidence in the league and cheering me along the way. I know the scenario of me playing for my pops wasn’t easy for people to understand and accept ….some never will, but to the ones who did… I can’t thank you enough. Me and pops did something that has never been done in our sport!! Which was hard for a lot of people to understand, but I am grateful for the time I experienced playing for him and the Clippers. I want to thank all of my teammates — aka my brothers. I Really appreciate y’all helping me grow as a player and a person!
“I also want to thank all of the coaches and all of the staff of the Clippers organization! A lot of you don’t get the credit you deserve! From the great training staff, to all the people that make our job and life that much easier, I really am thankful!! Always will love LA and consider it a home! Thanks -AR25 M.o.a.M”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkhDRzzho8k/?utm_source=ig_embed
Rivers made 61 appearances with the Clippers last season (59 starts), averaging 15.1 points on 42.4 percent shooting from the field (37.8 percent from beyond the arc), 4.0 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 33.7 minutes per. Clearly, his game is continuing to improve.
“Acquiring Austin gives us another versatile, experienced player who provides scoring and playmaking,” Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld told ESPN in an official statement. “He is coming off a career year and his ability to create offense for himself and others will help our second unit and allow us to play a variety of lineups throughout the season.”
Both Rivers and Gortat, who made a farewell post of his own, are in the final years of their contracts, which means they'll become free agents next summer. Let's see how these two fare in a new setting.
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