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Minnesota Timberwolves: 2 reasons the Wolves should sign Austin Rivers

By Trey Flynn

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 23: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards points during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 23, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 23: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards points during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 23, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 5: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on December 5, 2018 at State Farm Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 5: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on December 5, 2018 at State Farm Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

An Austin Rivers and Derrick Rose backcourt would give the depth necessary for the Wolves to make the playoffs.

Getting Austin Rivers and Derrick Rose on a minimum contract this season seems to good to be true when you’re playing both of them 20-25 minutes per game, which may turn out to be a reality.

Derrick Rose has been playing at an All-Star level this season, and nothing is slowing him down.

Rose is coming off a 13 point and 11 assist win against the Sacramento Kings last night, where he started for the banged up Jeff Teague. Which is evidence that Rose’s numbers this season as a combo guard doesn’t mean he can’t play the point anymore, even though he looked a bit forceful at times last night.

As a combo guard off the bench this year, Derrick Rose is averaging 18.5 PPG, 4.6 AST, and 2.9 TRB, with shooting splits of 49.3/47.8/83.1.

And as I’ve previously stated, Rivers plays fantastic in three guard lineups; a three guard lineup of Tyus Jones, Derrick Rose, Austin Rivers, Dario Saric, and Gorgui Dieng (or Josh Okogie/Anthony Tolliver) sounds like a fun backup squad.

Ultimately, just getting slashers like Rivers and Rose playing off one another would be a sight to see on the offensive end and could potentially battle any backcourt in the league.

News is breaking as I’m writing this that the Memphis Grizzlies are the biggest contenders looking to pry Austin Rivers out of free agency once he’s bought out this week, so that’s something to look out for too.

Minnesota should pull out the works for River and hopefully Thibs makes the right decision here!

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