Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers is one of the NBA’s best-traveled veterans, with a career that includes stops in seven different franchises over 11 seasons.
After playing in Houston at the end of the James Harden era in 2018-19 and 2019-20, Rivers is now in Minnesota, helping dynamic guard Anthony Edwards as the Timberwolves aim for a string of All-Star appearances over the next decade. We aim to Rivers stressed the lack of such a veteran presence in Houston’s postgame on Sunday, rocketOwns young guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Greene.
“Somebody needs to teach KPJ and Jalen how to play right. You know what I mean? They need veterans,” Rivers said. Chron.com following Minnesota’s 104-96 victory. “I like them. They are very talented and can really score….they need someone to help them take the next step.”
Rivers, 30, has at least some perspective on the challenges facing Green and Porter. franchise face Before any player reaches their 23rd birthday. Rivers was drafted by New Orleans with the 10th overall pick in his 2012 NBA Draft, where he spent one season at Duke before joining the Hornets (now the Pelicans). He named Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul and exceptional bench scorer Jamal Crawford on Sunday and recalled their influence in his professional development.
“When you’re young, veteran means everything,” said Rivers. “They show you how to play the game, how to control things as a security guard. It doesn’t have to be that way. [isolation]Sometimes it’s important to read fast, make quick decisions, and keep things moving. ”
of growing pains Sunday’s loss fully demonstrated this season for Porter and Green. Green, in particular, finished the night with just 9 points on 15 shots, further extending his current shooting slump as he didn’t tie a single free-throw attempt in the contest. In a season many hoped would make the leap to an All-Star contender, Green’s growth has stagnated since.
Rivers sympathized with Green’s struggles after the game. He compared himself to Green as a player in his teens and early twenties. Both joined the league after serving as de facto leads his scorers and playmakers throughout their amateur careers. Rivers added that if he still calls the Toyota Center home, he’ll get a lot of insight into both Houston’s lead guards.
“The talent is there. They can really score. It’s just a matter of doing what they need to do,” Rivers said. “If I were here, I would reach out to them and annoy them. They might hate it, and I might get on their nerves.
Houston continues to entrench itself in the Western Conference cellar game after game, and Sunday’s loss to Minnesota marked the team’s seventh straight loss and 12th loss in its last 13 games. Porter’s, and especially Green’s, late performances were worrisome, but Rivers didn’t immediately criticize the precocious pair of guards after the game. For Rivers, their growth is currently limited by the lack of vocal veteran presence.
“They’re not against Kevin, they’re not Kevin,” Rivers said. “And you can’t even look to a coach. There is, hopefully they will be better.”
