Who is Austin Rivers?
Austin Rivers is a former NBA guard turned analyst who built a solid 11-year professional basketball career. Known for his scoring ability and confident playstyle, Rivers played for multiple teams including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets.
He is also the son of legendary coach Doc Rivers, which often placed him in the spotlight throughout his career.
Austin Rivers & Steph Curry Relationship
The connection between Stephen Curry and Austin Rivers is more than just NBA competition—it’s family.
Rivers’ sister, Callie Rivers, is married to Seth Curry, making Austin Rivers and Steph Curry brothers-in-law through marriage.
This unique relationship has often been a talking point among fans, especially during matchups involving Rivers and the Golden State Warriors.
Austin Rivers College Career (Duke)
Austin Rivers played one season at Duke University (2011–2012), where he quickly became one of the top freshmen in the nation.
Key Highlights:
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2012)
- First-team All-ACC
- Famous game-winning shot vs North Carolina
His standout performances at Duke boosted his draft stock significantly.
Austin Rivers Draft Pick & NBA Draft
Rivers entered the 2012 NBA Draft and was selected:
- Round: 1
- Pick: 10th overall
- Team: New Orleans Hornets
Being a top-10 pick highlighted his potential as a scoring guard coming out of college.
Austin Rivers Contract History
Austin Rivers’ contract journey reflects the typical path of a role player adapting across teams:
- 2016: 3-year, $35.4 million deal with the Clippers
- 2020: 3-year, ~$9.9 million deal with the Rockets
- 2022: 1-year, $2.9 million deal with the Timberwolves
His largest contract came during his time with the Clippers, where he played under his father.
Austin Rivers Salary Overview
Throughout his NBA career, Austin Rivers earned millions as a dependable guard option.
- Peak salary: ~$11–12 million per year (Clippers era)
- Later career: Veteran minimum and short-term deals
While not a superstar salary like Steph Curry—who earns over $60 million annually —Rivers maintained a steady income as a valuable rotational player.
Playing Style and Legacy
Austin Rivers carved out a respectable NBA career as:
- A reliable scorer off the bench
- A confident ball-handler
- A strong perimeter defender
He later transitioned into media, becoming an NBA analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports, continuing his presence in basketball.
Final Thoughts
From a standout Duke freshman to a top-10 NBA draft pick, Austin Rivers built a long and steady professional career. His connection to Steph Curry adds an interesting personal angle, while his contract and salary history reflect the journey of a solid role player in the NBA.
Whether it’s his college dominance, draft pedigree, or NBA longevity, Austin Rivers remains a recognizable name in modern basketball discussions.
Leave a Reply