In 2015, Austin Rivers became the first NBA player to play for his father.
In short: The son of legendary coach Doc Rivers, Austin Rivers navigated an eleven-season professional basketball career that spanned multiple franchises. Beyond his high-profile family connection, he established himself as a prolific scorer, setting career records and becoming a pivotal bench contributor before transitioning into a career as a sports analyst.
Austin Rivers, born in 1992, entered the professional ranks after a standout high school career in Florida and a single season at Duke University. Selected 10th overall in the 2012 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, he quickly made history in 2015 when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. This move reunited him with his father, Doc Rivers, who was the team's head coach, marking the first time a son had played for his father in an NBA game.
Throughout his career, Rivers demonstrated significant scoring versatility. His professional journey included stints with the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His most explosive performance occurred in August 2020 while playing for the Houston Rockets in the Orlando bubble, where he recorded a career-high 41 points off the bench. During his time with Houston, he also contributed to a record-breaking team performance, helping the Rockets set a new league standard for three-pointers made in a single game.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Rivers navigated the physical demands of professional basketball, including recovering from multiple hand injuries and an ankle surgery early in his rookie season. His career was also marked by notable moments of intensity, including a 2023 suspension following an altercation during a game against the Orlando Magic. Following his retirement from professional play, Rivers transitioned into media, joining ESPN as an NBA analyst in 2023 and expanding his broadcasting role to NBC Sports in 2025.
Rivers' athletic pedigree extends beyond his own career. His siblings have also participated in collegiate athletics, and his family history is deeply intertwined with the sport. Today, he leverages his extensive experience across eleven NBA seasons to provide expert analysis, offering a unique perspective on the league he once competed in as both a starter and a key reserve.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Austin Rivers
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