NFL Star Backs Austin Rivers’ Rant Against ‘Laptop-Wielding’ Analysts Criticizing Players

Austin Rivers checked Theo Pinson’s co-host for repeatedly discrediting his NBA career.

NFL Star Backs Austin Rivers’ Rant Against ‘Laptop-Wielding’ Analysts Criticizing Players

Austin Rivers (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Austin Rivers has often been criticized for being in the NBA because of his father and former head coach, Doc Rivers. Some believe he was in the league because of nepotism and not because of his talent and skill.

Rivers spent one year in college basketball playing for Duke. After an impressive one year at Duke, he gave up his final three years of college eligibility and declared for the NBA draft. He was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets as the number 10 pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

Rivers appeared on the latest episode of Theo Pinson‘s podcast. Pinson’s co-host, Hong, discredited Rivers’ career and called him lucky before Rivers lashed out at him.

This is my problem with guys like you. You get there with your little laptop & point holes through someone’s career not knowing the time, energy, pressure it took. N*ggas put in a lifetime of work, I lived and breathed in the gym. You talking bout luck? I’m unlucky. You better hope the money I would’ve made with NIL. I would’ve made $20,000,000 at Duke. Just cause I didn’t come from the Hood, doesn’t mean i didn’t get it from the Mud.

Austin Rivers on To The Baha podcast

Austin Rivers was a top talent during his time in college basketball. Nepotism has been a topic in the NBA for a while now, especially after LeBron James‘ son, Bronny James, made it to the league in 2024.

Bronny getting to the Los Angeles Lakers brought in a lot of criticism, but he received support from Rivers. Former NBA star Matt Barnes called out Doc Rivers when the Los Angeles Clippers decided to pay money to Austin. Rivers’ response to Hong was justified, as Hong has never played any professional basketball.

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Austin Rivers gets backing from Torrey Smith

In the past few years, professional athletes have often clashed with media journalists and personalities with no sports background. Rivers called out Hong and did not hold back. He also revealed he let go of a massive payday from Duke to play in the NBA.

Former NFL star Torrey Smith backed Rivers’ response and showed support on X.

I lose my mind arguing with folks that have never played but talk so crazy. Shoutout to Austin.

While it is a podcast and everyone is entitled to their opinions, it is unfair for people with no professional sporting background to make comments on athletes. Smith does not come from a sports family but revealed that he has gotten into several such conversations with others in the past.

Austin Rivers had a decent NBA career

Austin Rivers came into the NBA with promise after being drafted 10th overall. While he may not have lived up to the expectations of a top-10 pick, he did have a decent career in the NBA. He has always been a vocal figure and does not hesitate to call out what he believes is wrong.

Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers (Image credits – Legion Hoops/X)

The 33-year-old became a popular figure at Duke before making his way into the NBA. Rivers never became an All-Star talent but was a solid role player. He played in the NBA for 11 years and has played for various franchises during his career.

He has played for seven franchises in 11 seasons and was last seen on an NBA court in the 2022-23 campaign for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his 11 seasons, he played in the playoffs eight times.

His best individual season came for the Clippers in the 2017-18 season under his father. It was the only season of his career when he was primarily a starter. After 11 seasons in the league, he saw his career end at age 30.

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