PHILADELPHIA – Doc Rivers, coach of the 76ers team, talks to his former Celtic assistant Tom Thibodeau, but the discussion of his son Austin Rivers is now forbidden.
Rivers, who signed with the Knicks as a free agent in November, was fired after Sunday’s Super Bowl deal for Derrick Rose. Rivers did not do well because he was absent from the bench at a recent home game.
He hasn’t been with the Knicks since the All-Star break ended for “personal reasons.” Thibodeau said Rivers is expecting a baby with his fiancée and has taken paternity leave. The trading deadline is March 25. Rivers, in his latest media discussion, said he felt he could be changed at any time.
“That’s basketball – I’m out of it,” coach Sixers said before facing the Knicks on Tuesday. “Tom and I are talking, but not about Austin. I don’t call coaches and I don’t suggest who they should play. Simply not. Whether he is your son or not. I’m staying away from that. “
In December, Rivers, who played for the Knicks from 1992-94, told The Post that he recommended the former franchise to his son. Asked about his son’s situation now, Rivers slowed down again, embarrassed.
“Don’t comment on that,” Rivers said. “In this case, Austin is a player of their team. This is not a place to comment. It would be like commenting on players from other teams [regarding playing time]. It would be a weak form. “
However, Rivers was happy to share his thoughts on changing Julius Randle – with his son as a source.
“I’m just happy for him,” Rivers said. “I get information from talks with Austin. Austin only talks about what kind of human being he is, how he is a great passer-by and surpasses everyone in the gym, how all his teammates love him Julius Randle has not had this narrative before. When a veteran player like Austin, who has been in the league for eight years, says that about a younger guy, he tells you something about Julius and what kind of guy he is.