Will Barton’s injured ankle may have provided an opening for Rivers to exploit. When the Nuggets open their preseason Monday against the Clippers, there’s a chance Rivers will be the team’s starting shooting guard, perhaps alongside Morris, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. Nikola Jokic’s status is uncertain after the birth of his daughter. If everyone was healthy, Rivers would likely be battling for backup shooting guard minutes. But, as last year’s injury toll can attest, Rivers’ value could be significant. He’s still a quick-twitch scoring guard who can get low and stay in front of his man. And because of where Rivers has been, there’s no role he’s unwilling to play. If he can help a team win, in any capacity, he said he’s up for it. “I’m really thrilled that he’s back,” Malone said. “Obviously, it’s not just his offense. I think Austin is an underrated defender.”