[lakeshow22Participant]

why are most people expecting or hoping that Austin Rivers will be a bust? Because his dad is Doc Rivers? He went to Duke? Hes to Cocky?

I think that Austin Rivers was one of the most talented Guards to come out of high school in the last couple of years and has Star Potential in the NBA. I dont get why people think he isnt NBA Ready and that he needed 1 more year at duke. Rivers didnt get to display all his skill set at duke because of the system they played in but he is NBA Ready.

He needs to get Stronger? Ofcourse he does but hes 19 and that will come in time.

OJ Mayo, Brandon Jenningss, Stephen Curry, Marshon Brooks, and even Kyrie Irving were all said on scouting reports that they need to put on weight and get stronger to play in the NBA yet all of those guys had no problem scoring as rookies and Rivers Will be the same.

Damian Lillard and Thomas Robinson were the only lotter picks who got to the Free Throw Line more than Rivers did and they Were both Juniors. Rivers has NBA Ready Quickness, Ball handling skills , Shooting Abilty, and Offsensive skill set. He does need to work on his Shot Selection and Defence but he to force alot of shots being the only player on Duke who could creat there own shot.

What is Austin Rivers true NBA Potential and Upside?

[WolfRobParticipant]

 I don’t think most people are expecting him to be a bust.. 

Personally I don’t see the stardom, but I think he will be a quality NBA player & very talented scorer. 

[MUbballfanParticipant]

I think he could be a Monta Ellis/Stehp Curry type guy at his highest. I like Rivers and hope he succeeds. NBA suits him better than college because the NBA is less team oriented than college. He was scrutinized for his selfish play while on Duke, but in the NBA that is the norm. Rivers can be a top scorer for the Hornets because the shots will be there for him to take.

[jmarg25Participant]

We all doubt his point guard skills, not scoring ability. Hes not going to start out well at all on the Hornets. 

[220Participant]

I don’t imagine Rivers will have any real trouble scoring in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how his speed and strength stacks up when he gets into real NBA competition.

Right now Rivers has a lot of question marks around his game and how the Hornets plan to use him. Monty Williams said at draft night that they wanted Rivers to play the point guard. I don’t think point guard is a natural position for Rivers and it will be interesting to see how he fairs at that position. If he can effectively play point guard things should go well for him. If he struggles and the Hornets are willing to stick with it than things could go much harder for him since the Hornets retained Eric Gordon in free agency.

[akhan786Participant]

I guess I’m in the minority of those who think Rivers isn’t as good of a scorer as he’s cracked up to be…

When I think of a scorer I think of a player that can score from anywhere on the court and has various different moves…

Rivers only has two. Jack up a three pointer or barrel his way to the basket and throw up a weak floater or layup. He isn’t even that reliable from the free throw line as he was in the 60’s percentage wise from the charity stripe.

But I do however really want him to succeed. Kid has been bagged on the moment he stepped in the spot light just because of the household he was born into and I want him to prove everyone wrong.

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

 I partially agree. Kd is  a jump shooter but a VERY deadly one while Carmelo Anthony has a jumpshot, postgame and ability to finish extremely well with contact. So who’s the better scorer?

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I’ve been listening to him do interviews and just watching how he handles himself, and I really like him. I think he’s going to be a leader in the NBA.

However, I’m not so sure about his game at this point. He’s mostly flash and no substance right now. He doesn’t seem to do the little things, which is wierd considering he’s a coach’s son. I know Monty Williams/Dell Demps are saying he’ll play the point, but I don’t see it. I also don’t see a legit two guard either… He’s stuck in between positions to me.

It’s a good thing he has NBA pedigree and that confidence because he’s going to need it.

[SiggyParticipant]

 I think one of the main reasons why he was drafted high was because he aced his interviews.  He at least talks the talk.  His game and potential are different stories though.

[DolanCareParticipant]

 I don’t have a problem with Rivers personally, and agree that some of the criticism of him has gone a tad overboard. But I do think he was drafted too high, doesn’t strive to gel with an offensive system and doesn’t have NBA athleticism to help offset the blemishes in his game. And the idea that he’ll be a PG is very farfetched…. high ego players who think they’re the best one on the floor don’t just suddenly revamp their entire basketball identity.

He’ll be a nice 6th man… which would then justify the number 10 draft spot. Again, I like how he carries himself just doubt how he’ll fit into the league

[iguapops420Participant]

Gilbert Arenas/Monta Ellis upside

Jamaal Crawford average

Jerryd Bayless downside

[theballerwayParticipant]

I like the Arenas copmarison. Not sure about right away but definately in time. I also feel hes more than athletic enough for the league just tad short for his natural position but not to short by any stretch

 

[MUbballfanParticipant]

Agent Zero averaged 30 ppg in his prime, not sure if Rivers can do that.

[Author]

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