Three things Austin Rivers brings to the Timberwolves

Veteran Leadership

No matter what situation or challenge a team faces, having veterans that can take charge and step up as leaders will always be an invaluable asset for any team. As he turns 30 years old this summer and enters his 11th year in the NBA, Austin Rivers is the textbook picture of what any team would want in a veteran guard.

On the court, he takes care of the ball. He’s a smart player. Rivers is going to not only make the right play more often than not, but he’s also going to hustle and give his all on every possession. When a vet can set an example and a tone with their game, it will often inspire younger players to do the same.

Off the court, Rivers will be there to guide the young guns through whatever circumstance they may encounter over the course of the season. Whatever problem Anthony Edwards or another young player might be going through, there’s a high likelihood Austin Rivers went through it as well. Having vets to support and lift up the group as a whole can be the foundation of what becomes a championship culture.