2012: Austin Rivers, SG, New Orleans
Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) picks up a loose ball against San Antonio Spurs guard
Tony Parker(9) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Austin Rivers has been borderline unplayable for most of his career. He’s an average-to-above-average defender but when you dribble the ball into oblivion and can’t shoot, you aren’t going to get much playing time.
His poor shot selection may have worked in high school, when he was the best player on the court by far, but not in the NBA. He’s had an issue making the transition, though he’s starting to come along in these playoffs (16 and 11 points in games 3 and 4). Time will tell if it’s sustainable or a flash in the pan.