Raptors NBA Draft Thread: Austin Rivers (NOH)

[JamesNaismith]

I like the media attention he would bring and that he has a ton of fight in him but I just don't like his game...he doesn't seem to fit in the flow of an offence; just makes a great 6th man.

[IMAN5]

I would love him if he can be taken with a later pick we trade for.

[Kohanz]

Do not want.

[TheToothFairy]

Intriguing pick

[Live Free]

anyone hear the saying.. Everyone hates a ball hog but they all love a scorer? that's the case with Rivers. I'm sure anyone, Rivers hater or not, can agree that his game is made for the NBA and not for a swing around the perimeter, half court NCAA. He's not a point guard..by definition. But his handles, breakdown ability, elite first step, and size will allow him to initiate plays.

[Live Free]

anyone hear the saying.. Everyone hates a ball hog but they all love a scorer? that's the case with Rivers. I'm sure anyone, Rivers hater or not, can agree that his game is made for the NBA and not for a swing around the perimeter, half court NCAA. He's not a point guard..by definition. But his handles, breakdown ability, elite first step, and size will allow him to initiate plays and his talent will allow him to make big time ones.

[zilby]

I have a feeling Rivers is going to drop in the draft.

He'd look amazing on a team with a good coach that can groom him into the 6th man role.

I'd pass on him and take a wing if available, and try to trade for him later on if he does in fact drop.

[JamesNaismith]

anyone hear the saying.. Everyone hates a ball hog but they all love a scorer?

Yes people love scorers like Durant and Kobe...who are efficient and help their teams win games.

Everyone hates a ballhog who is inefficient and looking for his first above his team's goals which is what Rivers does. His game is no better built for the NBA then his replica OJ Mayo (who is actually a much better defender than RIvers).....DO NOT WANT

[fredericklove]

I agree with James, I think if he's able to be insanely efficient and ballhogging on purpose to win the game for his team, then i certainly would love to have him 1st on my draft board, so far he only showed that in UNC game where he will his team to a victory but during tourney, he couldn't even get his team any further especially when he has the green light to shoot and as main-go-to-guy option in their lineup. He's practically useless off-ball so he really needs the ball in his hand in order to be effective.

Some scouts think he might play the PG in the NBA, which is extremely scary because they think he's too undersized and has to play PG, ...but playmaking isn't his style, he's never played that way. His mission is to score every time. Yikes.

[SkywalkerAC]

DD is already small enough at the 2, at least Lamb has the crazy length on his side.

[ballislife]

Rivers is one of those guys that I would say fits the NBA game much more than NCAA. I think he'll be a good player with potential to be great. He's already fit to be a scorer off the bench (which I think he'd do a great job for us next season if we're gunning for the playoffs - he could play the OJ Mayo role). He's smooth, has a wicked jump shot and has natural talents that a lot of guys don't have at his age. I wouldn't mind him being the pick for us at 8. If he's a hard worker, like many say he is, he has great potential as a SG.

[disoblige]

You cant win with him. PG in the nba will eat him in the other end. So it's pointless.

[Omar CominYo]

Please stick to the Rivers and the Lakers you're used to.

[Illuminati_]

THis guy is your perfect 6th man. Besides that tho here we go again the board hyping another PG thts inferior to what we have as of right now. This kid isnt an upgrade at all if yall are looking for a future PG but he could be that guard we need off the bench for scoring.

[N1QUE24]

You cant win with him. PG in the nba will eat him in the other end. So it's pointless.

Funny... that's what they said about Russell Westbrook.

[bballsparkin]

I don't like Austins simply cuz I thought he was way too cocky at first impression. Then I see his NCAA play and it supported my gut feeling. That said my opinion is mostly irrational so if we pick him I'll give him the benefit of doubt.

[disoblige]

You cant win with him. PG in the nba will eat him in the other end. So it's pointless.

Funny... that's what they said about Russell Westbrook.

Strengths: Athletic and explosive combo guard with the length to make up for his lack of height … Attacks the basket with a lethal first step and crossover ability … Can handle the rock well and gets into the lane effortlessly … Finishes well at the rim and is unafraid to go up in traffic … Huge wingspan allows him to play much bigger than his 6-3 height … Gets good lift on his jumpshot and has a quick release … Solid passer with unselfishness, always looks for the open man … Has an excellent mid-range game … A gym rat, really works hard to improve Has a great attitude, extremely coach-able … Has the potential to be a bigtime scorer when given the chance … Really excels defensively and has a chance to develop into a great defender … His anticipation for steals and his on ball defensive ability are special Solid passer who shows the ability to play the point guard position …

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/russell-westbrook

[C_Money]

I don't like Austins simply cuz I thought he was way too cocky at first impression. Then I see his NCAA play and it supported my gut feeling. That said my opinion is mostly irrational so if we pick him I'll give him the benefit of doubt.

We need some cockiness on this team. Especially if he can back it up.

[Ackshun]

He will be a fantastic 6th or 7th man.


Like others noted, his claim to fame are his handles. Great first step but theres something missing

[Mister Ze]

I think Rivers can be crossed off the board unless 2-3 teams jump ahead of the Raptors on May 30th. He's as ready to contribute as Perry Jones...