Rockets' Rivers says he has 'no problems' with CP3

Austin Rivers' signing with the Houston Rockets seemed a bit curious, considering his past with Chris Paul.

However, Rivers maintains there's no beef between them.

"I have no problems with Chris, as you guys will see. Obviously, if I had a problem with Chris I wouldn't be here," Rivers said, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen. "Chris has a huge input on this team as he should. He's a (Hall of Fame) point guard. If that was serious, I wouldn't be here. That will show you that's not real."

The two played parts of three seasons together with the Los Angeles Clippers before Paul's departure in the 2017 offseason.

Paul reportedly thought Rivers received preferential treatment from his father, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, and was allegedly irked by Doc's perceived refusal to include his son in a potential trade with the New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony.

The Rockets' addition of a point guard is much needed with Paul out a minimum of two weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

"He can give us stuff, especially with Chris out, another ball-handler/scorer," head coach Mike D'Antoni said. "A guy that attacks. Can play defense. He's a good NBA player. Makes us deeper and it keeps us from having to play Eric (Gordon) too many minutes and other guys."

D'Antoni added, "I think we match up well with him. He likes the way we play."

Rivers is averaging 7.2 points and two assists per contest through 29 games this season.