SANTA MONICA – The Los Angeles Clippers has made their first move of the offseason, sending guard Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizards for center Marcin Gortat.
In Rivers’ four years with the Clippers his game has grown exponentially, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, 3 point percentage, assists and steals in his final season with the Clippers. Moving him will give a little more space for the development of the newly drafted Clipper guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson, who are among five other guards on the roster.
“Thank You, first and foremost to the city of LA and to the fans of the LA Clippers. You have done nothing but show me love and positivity. The acceptance you gave me along with taking a chance on me 4 years ago, means the world to me! At that time I hadn’t shown much in the league….and was still trying to learn.” Rivers wrote in an instagram post.
Wow, I really don’t know where to start or how to put all of my emotions and feelings into words . But I’ll just start out by saying Thank You, first and foremost to the city of LA and to the fans of the LA Clippers. You have done nothing but show me love and positivity. The acceptance you gave me along with taking a chance on me 4 years ago, means the world to me! At that time I hadn’t shown much in the league….and was still trying to learn . And for you all to accept me and give me a chance to grow and play means more than you will ever know. People really don’t understand what positivity can do for someone’s confidence. And to the clippers fan base…. I really appreciate you all helping me find my confidence in the league and cheering me along the way. I know the scenario of me playing for my pops wasn’t easy for people to understand and accept ….some never will, but to the ones who did… I can’t thank you enough. Me and pops did something that has never been done in our sport!! Which was hard for a lot of people to understand but I am grateful for the time I experienced playing for him and the clippers. I want to thank all of my team mates aka my brothers. I Really appreciate y’all helping me grow as a player and a person! I also want to thank all of the coaches and all of the staff of the clippers organization! A lot of you don’t get the credit you deserve! From the great training staff, to all the people that make our job and life that much easier, I really am thankful!! Always will love LA and consider it a home! Thanks -AR25 M.o.a.M
32.5k Likes, 973 Comments – Austin Rivers (@austinjrivers) on Instagram: “Wow, I really don’t know where to start or how to put all of my emotions and feelings into words ….”
Gortat is a solid veteran center who it appears was acquired to prepare for the plausible exit of long time center DeAndre Jordan. Deandre Jordan has the option to opt out of his $24 million player option.
It’s Official! Welcome to the L.A. Clippers, @mgortat13.
53.2k Likes, 983 Comments – LA Clippers (@laclippers) on Instagram: “It’s Official! Welcome to the L.A. Clippers, @mgortat13.”
