Denver Nuggets: 3 things to expect from Austin Rivers
By Adam Taylor
Denver Nuggets: 3 things to expect from Austin Rivers: 2. An excellent second unit floor general.
When Jamal Murray makes his return to the hardwood, Austin Rivers will inevitably return to his rightful role on the Denver Nuggets bench. There’s nothing wrong with that for either side, the Nuggets get a veteran point guard to steady their youthful bench unit, and Rivers gets more freedom on offense.
With the likes of Monte Morris, Na’Shon Hyland, P.J. Doizer, and Bol Bol on the roster, a calming presence at the point guard position is essential throughout the regular season.
It’s a well-known fact that head coach Michael Malone is averse to giving rookies minutes, but should he choose to put faith in a couple of sophomores, playing them alongside Rivers wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
For example, a bench back-court of Rivers and Morris would give the Nuggets a high-paced guard tandem with respectable shooting from all three levels. At the same time, their defense would be switchable against second unit opposition.
Malone could also opt to pair rookie Hyland with Rivers for short bursts, with the idea that Rivers can cover up for some of the inevitable rookie mistakes Hyland will make. Running the rookie and the vet In the same lineup would bode well for Hyland’s development and ease him into a bigger role next season.
The length of the deal between Rivers and Denver isn’t to be ignored either. For both sides, this is a one-year partnership. The Denver Nuggets are stacked with developmental talent at the point guard spot, and Austin Rivers has an opportunity to create a market for himself while starting for the Nuggets. Both sides project to come out on the right side of this deal as things stand, and you can rarely say that in the NBA.