Rockets guard Austin Rivers says his time in Houston is the most fun he’s ever had as a basketball player.

Rivers spoke with jeweler and former music executive Ben Baller this week on a new episode of the Behind the Baller podcast. When asked about playing in Houston, Rivers said:

I love it, bro. It’s been my favorite place to play. Of all the teams I’ve played for, [they’re] the team that I’ve had the most fun. And I love the Clippers fans, I was very appreciative for my time there. But in terms of the most fun I’ve had playing basketball, like in front of a crowd, is the Rockets.

Over his seven seasons to date in the NBA, the former Duke guard has also played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers (with his father, Doc Rivers, as coach), and Washington Wizards.

In particular, the younger Rivers pointed to the fans in Houston as one primary reason for his happiness.

I love our fans. I love the Rockets fans. Shout-out to all the Rockets fans out there, for real. Houston fans, in general, they support. They’ve got a dope basketball team, obviously, with us. You’ve got a great MLB team [Astros], a great NFL team [Texans]… it’s a very, very good sports town. We’ve got a great hip-hop culture down there. It’s a dope city.

Rivers averaged 8.7 points and 2.3 assists in 28.6 minutes per game with the Rockets last season, his first in Houston. The backup guard, well regarded for his on-ball defense, signed with the Rockets in December 2018 after being traded twice in the prior six months.

Rivers, who says he’s working on his shooting this offseason, identified Houston’s style of play as a key reason for his choice:

Everything works out for a reason. Everything always has a way of working itself out if you keep your head down, and you just stay trucking along. You keep working. That’s kind of what I did. And then when I saw the opportunity with Houston, I knew it it was just a match just based on the style they play. Now I’m here, and it’s been a great situation. I’m very thankful to be playing on an amazing team. We’re excited.

The 27-year-old was a free agent earlier this offseason and chose to re-sign with the Rockets for the league minimum, despite having significantly stronger offers from other teams.

“This year, no lie, is the biggest year of my life,” Rivers said of his personal outlook moving forward. “I’m 100% healthy, and we have a team that can realistically win, and I have a chance to be a really big part of that. You can’t put a price on that.”