The Rockets and Austin Rivers seemed like an unlikely match, given his up-and-down history with former Clippers teammate Chris Paul. However, Rivers is thriving so far in Houston, with coach Mike D’Antoni calling him a “godsend” (Twitter link via Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston) and Rivers telling Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that he’s “the happiest I’ve been in my career.” The veteran guard also clarified that he “never had a problem” with CP3, and took the blame for the perception that there was a rift between the two ex-Clippers.
“Everything that happened was so silly and so stupid,” Rivers said. “A lot of it was on my part in terms of I let a lot of things that were said in the media about me and Chris affect me and his relationship. I accepted it like as if Chris was saying that s—, when he wasn’t doing [anything]. It ended up kind of messing us up at the time, because there was all this stuff about how we were interacting that wasn’t true.
“Me and Chris haven’t even had to say [anything] about it because we both moved on. I was just with [him] at an event at his house. It’s just crazy how in today’s age everything does revolve around social media. Social media is so powerful.”
Rivers’ conversation with Spears is worth reading in full, as the 26-year-old also discussed how being Doc Rivers‘ son affects the perception of him, why it’s a good thing that he and Doc are in separate organizations, and why he decided to sign with Houston.
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- Speaking today to reporters, Mike D’Antoni said that Eric Gordon might be able to return in about a week, while Chris Paul will likely miss another two or three weeks, according to Brian T. Smith of The Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). The Rockets have been playing well without Gordon and Paul, but would surely welcome the opportunity to get their roster back to full strength.
- Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders provides some specific details on the Rockets’ Michael Carter-Williams trade, reporting (via Twitter) that Houston received the Grizzlies’ top-55 protected 2020 second-round pick in the deal and sent $1,065,966 to the Bulls. Chicago will receive that money in five installments of approximately $73K apiece, followed by a final payment of $700K next July.
- Pincus also recently shared the unusual salary guarantee details on Gary Clark‘s contract (all Twitter links). As Pincus explains, the following things must be true for Clark’s 2019/20 salary to become guaranteed before next January 10:
- He appears in at least 37 games for the Rockets during the 2018/19 regular season.
- The Rockets miss the playoffs OR Clark appears in at least two postseason games OR Clark is cut by April 10, 2019.
Does a HR have an explanation on how the stipulation that Clark be CUT by 4/10 could guarantee his next year’s salary? Almost seems backwards, but is that a way to ensure Clark his spot on the team thru the end of the season?
It’s likely a function of him needing to play 2 playoff games (which he can’t do if he’s cut before the playoffs or if the Rockets miss the playoffs).
It does seem odd and somewhat backwards, but as far as I can tell, there’s no CBA rule against structuring a guarantee that way. It could give him some insurance against being a roster casualty if the Rockets want to add a veteran free agent for a playoff run.
Once Paul and Gordon returns, would Rivers be happy about playing 20 min per night?
He’s a bum, wouldn’t be in the league if he had a different last name. So I imagine he’ll be happy as long as he keeps getting a NBA check.
WTF is going on in Houston financially-? This deal saves maybe about 1.5 mm, net. Fine, but why can’t they just cut a check for 350K now (vs installments)-? (I assume the delayed 700K is because their allotment for 2018/19 is met). Continues the pattern. Minimum wage FAs only. Melo thing is still dragging. So, it makes sense that poor Gary Clark has to deal with a tortured set of rules to have his minimum contract guaranteed next year? One of which could financially motivate him to cause the Rockets to miss the playoffs this year.