The Nuggets have some interest in free agent guard Austin Rivers, league sources tell Mike Singer of The Denver Post. Rivers is one of a handful of available guards being eyed by the Nuggets, according to Singer, who previously identified Troy Daniels and Gerald Green as a couple other veterans on the team’s radar.
Denver focused on upgrading its frontcourt at the trade deadline, acquiring Aaron Gordon from Orlando and JaVale McGee from Cleveland. However, those deals put a dent in the club’s backcourt depth, as Gary Harris and R.J. Hampton were among the outgoing pieces.
Since then, the Nuggets have signed Shaquille Harrison to a two-way contract, but they still have one opening on their 15-man roster and they intend to fill it sooner or later. A 10-day signing is a possibility, per Singer.
As Singer explains, COVID-19 protocols have complicated the process of bringing in players for workouts and auditions, which is slowing down Denver to some extent. Additionally, the Nuggets would like to find a player who could be relied upon down the stretch and in the postseason if needed, but who would be content with not seeing much – or any – playing time on a typical night. It’s unclear if Rivers fits that bill.
Rivers began the season with the Knicks, averaging 7.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, and 2.0 APG with a .430/.364/.714 shooting line in 21 games (21.0 MPG). The 28-year-old fell out of the team’s rotation though, and was eventually sent to Oklahoma City at the trade deadline. The Thunder subsequently waived him. While Milwaukee was rumored to be a potential landing spot for Rivers, the Bucks signed Jeff Teague instead and haven’t circled back to Rivers so far.
Rivers and Green are much better options than Daniels.
Totally agree. Nuggets make this happen!
Aren’t players suppose to be on a roster by April 9. To be eligible for the playoffs. Is this wrong ? Cause
I can’t believe no one picked up Rivers on time. Terrible
Nope, just have to be waived by then. Can be signed any time.
Nuggets makes sense.
This is more important than most 15th man pickups bc: the Nugs were already at their thinnest there; Monte wants out of consideration for the 2; and the role could make a difference in a title run. Like Luke said the FO seems to be slow to fill the spot.
Rivers’ PER is lower in the playoffs than the RS and is low anyway, peaking at 12.6 a couple years ago. What even was his string for the Nix. Opposing teams might leave him open. Never a positive defensive box +-. Good confidence will probably see him audition well but there has to be better options.