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Golden State Warriors rumors: Should Dubs target FA Austin Rivers?

By Nathan Beighle

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 05: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards drives against John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 5, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 05: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards drives against John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 5, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have a roster spot to spare. Should they use that roster spot on the Austin Rivers, the league’s newest free agent?

After Patrick McCaw‘s contract dispute, the Golden state Warriors were left with just 14 players. They haven’t seemed overly concerned about that total either, currently sitting 2nd in the West. However, it does give them room to sign a free agent without waiving any players.

That said, the league’s most recent free agent, Austin Rivers, is on the market. Rivers can shoot well from deep and has displayed a gifted ability to score.

The former Blue Devil has averaged just 7.2 points per game in his lone season with the Wizards. That less than half as much as he scored in his last of four seasons with the Clippers who were coached by his father, Doc Rivers.

Last season, Rivers made 2.2 threes per game and shot over 37% from deep. The shooting and spacing he’d create is one reason the Dubs should sign Rivers. The Warriors have one of the league’s worst shooting and scoring second units.

While they’ve clearly not needed the second unit to be at the top of the league, enhancing the second unit with just a solid signing should be of interest for Golden State.

They are playing Curry 33.7 minutes per game, and adding a solid veteran like Rivers to the backcourt could decrease that.

Rivers and the Memphis Grizzlies have been nearing an agreement. Let’s be honest though. If the Golden State Warriors call, Rivers is answering. For the Warriors, there isn’t too much that can go wrong if they sign Rivers.

There might not be enough positions on the court to really warrant signing Rivers. Curry, Livingston and Cook man the point guard spot, and it doesn’t make sense to bring on Rivers unless he’d be Thompson’s main backup. The 6-foot-4 combo guard could do that though.

He could lead the second unit, potentially making them a middle-of-the-pack unit. Ultimately, this could be a good and inexpensive signing for the Warriors which, if given the opportunity, they should take.

Next. Golden State Warriors should target Jabari Parker this winter. dark

There’s little downside to signing Rivers if he’s willing to take the league minimum or just slightly above.

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