Raptors NBA Draft Thread: Austin Rivers (NOH)

[JPHolling]

I'm less on the train than I was before after looking at his max vert reach (Jrue Holiday territory) and strength scores. Still not fully jumping off because the talent is there but I think I would have been more firmly on board had he tested more like other SGs and less like PGs.

It seems like every player at 8 has significant question marks. Lillard may have the least but he's the oldest and played in the worst conference. Somebody will hit a homerun or 2 from 8-15 in this draft but it may end up just being a lucky pick based on who was already taken ahead of them.

This draft 2-14 is all question marks.
off the top of my head the 2012 draft has had the following players projected as the 1st overall pick
1)davis
2)barnes
3)rivers
4)Sullinger
5)Drummond

and then players like Perry Jones being projected to be top 3

This draft is all over the place, because it has a bunch of players with lots of potential, but having disappointing seasons.

[TGM]

Duke has always had a very strong program, so I think Rivers is definitely a good pick at 8.

His shooting and handles is considered pretty decent even by NBA standards. I think AR's low FG percentage is more a function of poor shot selection at times versus poor form.

If he is at 8, he would be my top choice.

[HolyMage110]

why can rivers be our combo guard? in his interview, he said hes trying to aim to be a combo guard like westbrook and rose and what not

[GreatWhiteStiff]

Duke has always had a very strong program, so I think Rivers is definitely a good pick at 8.

His shooting and handles is considered pretty decent even by NBA standards. I think AR's low FG percentage is more a function of poor shot selection at times versus poor form.

If he is at 8, he would be my top choice.

not arguing the shot selection thing, but nothing really wrong with his shooting % as he shoots almost 50% from 2pt and gets fouled a lot.

[McFurious1]

Rivers is in Toronto!

"@AustinRivers25: Here in Toronto! It's beautiful here."

[nowayjose]

Rivers is in Toronto!

"@AustinRivers25: Here in Toronto! It's beautiful here."

Saw this too, Exciting!

[CPT]

Really hope he impresses in the workouts.

[nowayguy]

Feel like all most people watched of Rivers are the highlights from the UNC and OSU games. So so so many times where this kid made me want to rip my hair out watching him make terrible shot selection. Not sure he's athletic enough for his game to work at the next level either.

[SwiftyV]

Really hope he impresses in the workouts.

Yes please.

[HolyMage110]

looking forward to post workout interview

[Undefeated]

Feel like all most people watched of Rivers are the highlights from the UNC and OSU games. So so so many times where this kid made me want to rip my hair out watching him make terrible shot selection. Not sure he's athletic enough for his game to work at the next level either.

Same, I never really understood the infatuation with Austin Rivers. While he has some nice breakdown skills one-on-one off the dribble, there's nothing in his game that says impact or X-factor type player to me. Honestly, what kind of skill(s) will he develop or bring currently that will help a playoff caliber team?

[HolyMage110]

hes trying to be combo guard like westbrook, but its not cutting out for him

[phailing101]

SLAM hyped him so he's basically immortal amongst many.

Definitely did nothing to impress in college. I prefer Waiters/Lamb/Lillard to him

[HolyMage110]

hes got some upside

[Tough Tony D]

Feel like all most people watched of Rivers are the highlights from the UNC and OSU games. So so so many times where this kid made me want to rip my hair out watching him make terrible shot selection. Not sure he's athletic enough for his game to work at the next level either.

Same, I never really understood the infatuation with Austin Rivers. While he has some nice breakdown skills one-on-one off the dribble, there's nothing in his game that says impact or X-factor type player to me. Honestly, what kind of skill(s) will he develop or bring currently that will help a playoff caliber team?

I like him more than I did before. He measured better then what I expected. I wouldnt be against picking him at all. I think he could be a Ginobili type player. Not as great of a playmaker yet. But agile, very good one on one skills, crafty around the basket, very good outside shooter, isnt scared of taking and making big shots, and very confident.

[isyed]

He has great scoring ability and a yo yo handle. He has shown some good size and has Doc's genes so playing defense after he puts some weight on should not be an issue. I think he is similar to a Monta Ellis with less athleticism and more ability of the bounce. His passing can be worked on and plus if he is going to play as a 2 gaurd it should not be a huge issue. I can see him playing well with and without the ball. If he comes off the bench for a couple years he can adjust well with a free reign to score and handle the ball while learning how to defend. I think he can be an elite scorer with great ability of the bounce as well and maybe even pass the rock with experience.

[Undefeated]

I like him more than I did before. He measured better then what I expected. I wouldnt be against picking him at all. I think he could be a Ginobili type player. Not as great of a playmaker yet. But agile, very good one on one skills, crafty around the basket, very good outside shooter, isnt scared of taking and making big shots, and very confident.

I don't know if I would call Rivers a very good 3-point shooter because 36.5% from 3-point isn't lighting it up, but I guess you can call him decent. My concern regarding his shooting is that he isn't a very good spot-up shooter nor can he shot off of the catch immediately. He's more of a guy who needs the ball in his hands to get the feel for the ball before stepping into a jumper. So, what happens when Rivers doesn't have the ball in his hands to work his way into the game? But I guess with the reps in he'll get adjusted to his new role where he isn't the man anymore since there will be a bigger emphasis on sharing the ball. We'll see, though.

[drew_28]

I'm on the fence about Rivers... being a Duke fan I watched him quite a bit this year and there were times when he frustrated me to no end! He has those blinders and sometimes seems to think he can take on an entire team.

But, I will say the kid has no fear and is a warrior, he has that killer instinct in his eyes that Lamb doesn't have. And I feel much better picking Rivers knowing that he is a hard working than I do about Lamb who is just so full of question marks about his attitude..

[The Duke]

Dont put that much stock into what players say in interviews, they're trained by their agents to know what we want to hear.

[JPHolling]

clearly they are prepped before hand^^^
but thats the point, some players are prepped and put on good interviews. Others are prepped, and some how manage to put on awful interviews