For the last 11 seasons, Austin Rivers has been a decent backup guard in the NBA for seven different teams.
With days to go before the start of training camp for the 2023-24 campaign, he is still a free agent, and for some reason, there has been little, if any, real interest in the 31-year-old.
While on the “Bill Simmons Podcast,” he was asked which team he’d like to play for, and he said he “would do anything to play for the Miami Heat,” per NBACentral.
Austin Rivers says he’d do anything to play for the Miami Heat
“Miami is dream destination for every player like me. [Coach] Spo doesn't coach anybody based off merits or contract… I would do anything to play for the Miami Heat"
(Via Bill Simmons podcast / @BasketballOnX ) pic.twitter.com/mF12yHYus6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 20, 2023
The Heat are currently in a holding pattern, hoping that the Portland Trail Blazers will finally cave in and accept an offer for star guard Damian Lillard, who requested a trade and also has a strong desire to play for them.
As of now, there is a feeling that the Heat aren’t alone in the Lillard sweepstakes, as the Chicago Bulls may reportedly try to go after him as well.
Erik Spoelstra, the head coach of the Heat, may be the best in the business, and over the last few years, he has gotten the most out of a roster that has lacked offensive firepower.
They have defied the naysayers by reaching the NBA Finals twice in the last four seasons, and they have done so by mucking up the game and keeping scores low, two things most teams are unable or unwilling to do.
If Lillard does indeed end up relocating to South Florida, the Heat would likely need to replenish some depth, and that is where Rivers could come in handy.
He has a career average of 8.5 points in 23.8 minutes a game, and he has shown some ability to, at least at times, stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting.
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