Austin Rivers shoots down report that CP3 left Clippers over Doc's nepotism

Chris Paul leaving the Los Angeles Clippers for the Houston Rockets on Wednesday was a seismic shift that changed the power balance of the Western Conference.

Naturally, Paul's pivotal decision brought upon questions as to why he would leave the Clippers.

One theory, provided by Michael Eaves of ESPN, was that Paul resented how Clippers coach Doc Rivers treated his son Austin. Eaves argued that Paul lost faith in Doc which ultimately played a role in his exit.

Austin indirectly responded to the rumor on Twitter.

Eaves reported that Paul's relationship with Doc deteriorated shortly after Austin was acquired. Paul felt that Doc treated Austin more favorably - a suspicion that was cemented after Doc turned down a trade of Austin, Jamal Crawford, and Paul Pierce to the New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony.

ESPN's Zach Lowe also reported separately that Paul and Doc's relationship had frayed, although Lowe didn't cite a specific reason.

Nevertheless, accusations of nepotism have hung over the Rivers family ever since they were united in 2014. The awkward dynamic of a father coaching his son has always lent itself to speculation, even if it wasn't substantiated.