Austin Rivers interested in following father Doc’s footsteps, becoming coach
The apple may not fall far from the tree when it comes to the Rivers family.
In a Facebook Q&A this week with broadcaster Craig Ackerman, Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers spoke on his interest in becoming an agent, front office executive, or even a coach like father Doc after his playing career is over.
“I’ve always seen me in the business side of things — either a player agent, or being a GM or president,” said Rivers, per Ben DuBose of USA TODAY. “I’ve always wanted to be in the front office. I love the business side of basketball, and I know it well. I guess the pedigree, and me learning and knowing the game my whole life and being around it. I just think it’s something I could really do well, and that still stands.
“I will say that over the last couple years, coaching has continued to grow,” added the 27-year-old. “It’s something I didn’t see myself possibly doing, but now, it’s a little itch. I’m starting to get to where I feel like 10 years down the road, or however many years I have left, that is something I would like to get into, possibly.”
Austin’s career path is already looking a lot like his father’s, as Doc had a 14-season career playing in the NBA as a journeyman guard. He then took his first head coaching job with the Orlando Magic in 1999 and has since become a top coach in the league and one of only six active ones to win a title.
Following Doc’s lead by playing for him on the LA Clippers did not go so well for Austin, but perhaps beating his father at his own game as a coach (like how the Van Gundy brothers competed against each other) might work out better.
