NBA: The 10 best supporting players on playoff teams

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 29: Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks off the court after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center on April 29, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 106-103. 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Austin Rivers, LA Clippers

Immediately, the first role player in the Western Conference that comes to mind is – point guard/shooting guard, Austin Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers. While averaging 15.3 PPG throughout 40 games this NBA season, Rivers is subsequently a very inconsistent player, due to injury. Much like younger J.R. Smith, which isn’t a bad comparison at all, especially for this context.

Much to the dismay of Rivers, a vast amount of the NBA media and fans believe he has a job in the NBA because his Dad (Doc Rivers) is the head coach of the Clippers. Having your Dad as your head coach is probably more stressful than helpful, so Rivers definitely gets a pass for that one.

A lot like Matthew Dellavedova from the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, Rivers exemplifies what it means to be gritty throughout multiple games in his career, such as this one.

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