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The term hometown discount does not extend to a literal same-home discount.
While it had been expected that Austin Rivers would re-sign with father and head coach Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers this summer, it doesn't sound like a certainty. Tying the threads together is easy, and the story writes itself, but the point guard is playing the market as an unrestricted free agent.
"I plan on looking at all my options and making (the) best decision for my career," he told ESPN. "I'll definitely consult my family. They've always been extremely supportive. I do love playing for (the) Clippers ... Just going to be patient and hear everyone out."
The Clippers came under some fire for sacrificing multiple assets and flexibility in order to bring Rivers in as part of a three-team trade in January, and it would sting to see him walk in free agency with little means of replacing him. Doc has managed the roster and cap such that L.A. is low on avenues to add talent, and re-upping his son on the cheap would help to that end.
It's unclear what the market may dictate for the Duke product, who has disappointed in three seasons after being selected with the No. 10 pick in 2012. He's averaged seven points and 2.1 assists in 21 minutes, shooting 39.7 percent from the floor and 30.9 percent from outside.
Save for a small handful of marquee playoff performances, there's little to suggest he improved once with the Clippers. But Rivers is still 22, has great size for a point guard, and is an adequate defender. There may be teams willing to gamble on him as a backup point guard, a role that may not be available with the Clippers given their glut of shooting guards who could need to spend time at the one.
