Denver Nuggets: 3 things to expect from Austin Rivers

Denver Nuggets: 3 things to expect from Austin Rivers: 3. A point to prove

Austin Rivers is entering his 10th season in the NBA, and he’s playing on his sixth team. The Santa Monica native will be entering his age 30 season when he hits free agency next summer, and for a journeyman point guard, it’s just as easy for him to fall out of the league as it is to sign another contract.

In the Denver Nuggets, Rivers has the perfect opportunity to show he can help a contending team – either from the bench or in the starting unit. What better time for Rivers to really pop off than now? On one of the best teams in the West, with an opportunity to display your range of skills as a starter, bench guard, and locker room presence?

It’s true, Rivers is hardly at risk of falling out of the league next season, but all it takes is one bad year, and your options dry up quickly. That’s why playing second-fiddle to Jokic will do wonders for Rivers stock.

The 29-year-old guard can be judicial with his shot selection, use his movement to create scoring opportunities for others, and display his offensive understanding by dictating play when Jokic defers the responsibility.

The idea will be similar on defense: supplement the team’s core defensive unit, be robust in your approach, and ensure you fulfill your role to the best of your ability. Other teams will take notice, especially when you’re doing this on a team with such talent within its ranks.

With another free agency period looming over Austin Rivers, the Denver Nuggets could get the best version of the veteran, and if that happens, it’s a bargain for both parties.