The end of Austin Rivers‘ stay with the Knicks could be close after he wasn’t on the bench for Saturday’s game, suggests Marc Berman of The New York Post.
A team official told Berman that Rivers was at Madison Square Garden, but was getting treatment for a sore ankle. He wasn’t listed on the pre-game injury report and there was no mention of an injury in the box score, where he was designated as DNP-Coach’s Decision.
Rivers was removed from the rotation after the Knicks traded for Derrick Rose three weeks ago. Elfrid Payton has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, but coach Tom Thibodeau gave the extra minutes to little-used Frank Ntilikina instead of Rivers.
Rivers, 28, signed a three-year contract with New York in November, but only the first season of the deal is guaranteed. Through 21 games, he is averaging 7.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 21.0 minutes per night. He has played five total minutes in the last nine games and was the only player not used in Thursday’s blowout of the Kings.
A sprained ankle suffered by veteran big man Taj Gibson Saturday night could hasten Rivers’ departure, Berman adds. The Knicks, who are already without starting center Mitchell Robinson, have a full roster and would have to waive someone to add another frontcourt player. Thibodeau said after the game that team president Leon Rose “will look into players that are available.’’
Maybe Doc should get Morey to trade for his son. Then he could have a field day coaching both his son & son in law simultaneously… Family bonding and enjoy having a decent season together…
This guy can’t catch a break. NY is cutting ties too soon. Everyone looks at the name on the back of his jersey and gives him grief for being Doc’s son. I like the guy and know there are plenty of teams he can help
Plenty of teams. But I think he knew this could happen. He’s only guaranteed this yr. He can give us value back. He’s a combo G that can play the Point. Contenders should be calling especially Clippers.
So far the Knicks decisions this year have worked out…the trade for Rose was questioned as well but the Knicks have been winning…Rivers and Frank can be used as salary filler in a trade
He’s not good. If anything, he keeps getting opportunities BECAUSE he’s Doc’s son. Career 41% FG, 64% FT, -10 +/-, no thank you.
B I N G O
I was hoping he would have been traded in a deal for the rights to Dinwiddie. Doesn’t look like that will happen.
Decent bench scorer who can get hot, but who isn’t a great defender. Half the league will probably have interest at a minimum deal to end the season, only most teams won’t promise him run.
Worst case, he rides the pine for Brooklyn or Dallas and gets some spot minutes.
Maybe one day we’ll find out why we signed him in the first place, including the reason for the odd structure of his contract and its implementation via a S&T. Only reason I heard on the first so far was his Dad didn’t want to sign him, and he and Thibs knew each other. At least he was a good soldier here, played hard (and often well) when his number was called. Just an (very) odd fit.
Agreed it’s an odd fit for Thibs, but it makes perfect sense for Rivers. NY media has made a lot of mediocre players a lot of money.
Rivers probably wanted to play great, get some endorsements, and enjoy the good life. Al Harrington never did much as an NBA player, but playing for the next made him pretty rich.
And to be clear, that’s not to take anything away from Al Harrington.
Not NY media it’s us the Fans. We support players who play hard n smart. And give it all and more for the team. Media only follows our lead on mediocrity. Every city has their local guys imo.
It’s not the same. If you’re popular in Dallas or salt lake, you might get to endorse the local car dealership. If you’re popular in NY, you’re a brand spokesman. It’s just numbers – the NY media market is massive.
Also, most national media has a huge footprint in NY, and local issues often bleed into national coverage. When the Knicks have weird little stuff happen – like Spike Lee using the wrong elevator – it somehow becomes a national story.
There’s no criticism here – NYC is one of my favorite places – but you can’t deny the media distortions. And I’d say all the same about LA.
It’s the same in that local fans, we all have mediocre players who we love and support. Yes NYC is a media monster. I’m not disagreeing I’m just trying to give fans credit not media. Yes LA does it too. A lot of fans around the world don’t get that, about how NY can help create or kill a guy. Imo it’s what they’ve done to Nttilikina, Smith, Knox, Payton, even Randle before this yr.
I’ll go for that
As a knicks fan, i rather hold on rivers and trade payton
Thibs came here to build a team. First you establish a core. A young team you weed out the bad fits. But be smart and get value for them. Especially when they have talent and are young. Most fans don’t even watch other cities gms. Yet want to kill players cause they’ve read it or seen it. That somehow they are failing. There are more than one reason that happens in NYC, believe me……….. Dennis Smith young n talented—
This is From Berman in The Post (NY paper)
“Pistons coach Dwane Casey made Smith the starting point guard four games ago and he’s found his mojo.
In that span, Smith has averaged 12 points in 21.6 minutes and shot 50 percent – 46.7 from 3. He’s averaged four assists and 1.5 steals.”
I have posted here for 2 yrs. He needs another team to give him a chance. He’s not a NY kind of guy. Especially coming here young and being eaten alive. You think this board has haters. NY can turn on you quicker than a Trump lie. Not here to say I told you so. Here to say these are 20-24 yr olds. We should be able to see if they have some talent. Just some teams don’t have the option to wait on it. And some do. At worst this guy could have always been a solid backup PG. Now he will get his shot at more. Take advantage young man. Go for it.
I don’t know if we should be crowning DSJ as an MVP just yet. He’s still only shooting 41% and isn’t an efficient player. 8 points/game on 8 shots/game with little else isn’t that great. I know you’re not a fan of advanced stats so compare his current line with Detroit to his career numbers. Pretty close.
I do hope he succeeds but four games of success on the worst team in the East (ie, few other options) doesn’t erase his record.
Rivers at 28 can help a few contenders. His contract is very reasonable and can be kept for next two yrs (option). Clippers, Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, can all use him. His stats for this yr.
21 mins, 7.3 PTS, 2.2 AST, 2 REB, 3PT FG .364%
2PT FG .517% that can help any contender. Plus fact he is streaky scorer. He can put up 20.
Oh ………. ….. and Knicks are 5th seed 17 – 17
“In Thibs we Trust”
link to youtu.be
DSJ again ……. 17 pts — 6 ast
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Try googling his stats first yr with Knicks. FTEM twice a day. His clock is for 48 mins.
I’m surprised they got anything for him.
You should be happy. Knicks are an improved team with Rose starting
Knicks don’t seem to be able to acquire PGs with the right personality. Peyton is most useful due to inclusiveness, which is not the best strength to have, but useful to a PG.
This from a city where so many NBA PGs hail from, from Bob Cousy to Mark Jackson, Kenny Anderson, Marbury, Wilkens, Archibald, Strickland, Kemba… to rookie Cole Anthony, still adjusting.
Get Maxey (Texas) before it’s too late!
The Knicks have looked much better with Rose and Noel starting and Frank playing off the bench with Quickley and Burks. Barrett is also looking good with DRose next to him.