With Blake Griffin nearing a return from knee surgery, the Los Angeles Clippers are now dealing with another injury to a key player. Point guard Chris Paul suffered a left thumb injury on Monday night, and he is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after surgery to repair a torn ligament.
Paul has to be kept on fantasy rosters, since he should return to action just in time for the playoffs in most season-long leagues. But there is this nugget, regarding his replacement as the Clippers’ starting point guard.
Austin Rivers‘ usage rate climbs from 14.9 to 21.8 when Chris Paul is off the court. #Clippers
— Jonas Nader (@JonasNader) January 18, 2017
In six January games, Austin Rivers is averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds per game over nearly 36 minutes per contest. Going back to his last 10 games, all starts, Rivers is averaging 16.5 points, 3.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. That stretch includes four games with at least 19 points (three with 20-plus points).
Griffin’s eventual return will take some opportunities from Rivers. But his substantial bump in usage rate when Paul is off the floor is noteworthy, and it surely won’t totally disappear when Griffin is healthy.
If the Clippers trade for a point guard, which would be difficult but not impossible, Rivers would move down the depth chart. But an increasing role recently, even when Paul was healthy, makes the head coach’s son a nice waiver wire add with some long-term viability. In ESPN leagues Rivers is also eligible at shooting guard, which adds to his fantasy utility.
Austin Rivers ESPN Ownership Rate: 23.6%
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