Austin Rivers, born on August first, nineteen ninety-two, is a distinguished American former professional basketball player who has transitioned into a role as a sports analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports. He is the son of renowned basketball coach and former player Doc Rivers, and his basketball journey has been marked by significant achievements and milestones.
Rivers showcased his talent early on, leading Winter Park High School to consecutive Florida 6A state championships in two thousand ten and two thousand eleven. His prowess on the court earned him a spot in the prestigious 2011 Nike Hoop Summit representing Team USA, and he was recognized as a McDonald's All-American. As one of the top-rated high school basketball players in the class of 2011, he was ranked as high as number one by Rivals.com before committing to Duke University in October two thousand ten.
In the 2012 NBA Draft, Rivers was selected as the tenth overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets, now known as the Pelicans. He spent three seasons with the team before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played for another three years. His career continued with stints at the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, totaling eleven seasons in the NBA.
A notable moment in Rivers' career came on January sixteenth, two thousand fifteen, when he became the first player in NBA history to play for his father, Doc Rivers, who was then the head coach of the Clippers. This unique father-son dynamic added a special chapter to his already impressive career.