Milwaukee Bucks: 3 reasons why Austin Rivers is worth pursuing
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks could potentially look to shore up their guard depth in the coming days by adding Austin Rivers with the trade deadline closing in.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe was the first to report in his latest rumor roundup piece Monday morning that the Bucks are interested in adding another guard via trade or through the buyout market in the coming days. One name that he specifically mentioned was worth monitoring was 28-year-old Austin Rivers, whom the New York Knicks may considering buying out if they cannot trade him.
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After signing with the Knicks this past offseason, Rivers had been having a great start to the season in the Big Apple. However, the Knicks recently made a trade for former league MVP Derrick Rose to bolster their backcourt, booting Rivers out of the primary rotation.
Rivers has not appeared in a game for the Knicks since February 13, and his lack of playing time makes the likelihood of him staying on the roster slim.
Whether it be as a trade target or bringing him in off the buyout market, the 28-year-old guard is a feasible target for the Bucks as they continue their mid-season roster renovations. With that being said, here are three reasons why Milwaukee should aim to make Austin Rivers their next addition.
First reason the Milwaukee Bucks should pursue Austin Rivers — They need a backup point guard
The most apparent hole in Milwaukee’s roster right now is that they do not have a legitimate point guard in the second unit. That was a role formerly occupied by D.J. Augustin, but the Bucks traded him to the Houston Rockets in their recent deal for P.J. Tucker.
With the position currently vacant, Milwaukee’s interest in Rivers makes sense, although he is more of a combo guard. Still, Rivers would provide the Bucks with some closure with another household guard, giving them a solid ball handler in the second unit.
The Bucks need a player who can handle those responsibilities to give Holiday some more downtime, which has been on display in these past three games. With two open roster spots currently waiting to be filled, one would think that adding a guard is a top priority, and Rivers would be a solid choice to fill one of them.
It came to light recently that the Bucks potentially have an interest in signing free agent guard Isaiah Thomas, so it is no secret that they are looking around for help at the position. With a limited point guard market currently in full swing, Rivers would be Milwaukee’s best bet at the position.