Austin Rivers or Dion Waiters?
I realize the posters question is more of a 'who would you rather have', but I don't like either of these players. I know they're 1st year players, but I will be surprised if either of them is anymore then a 6th man by the end of their rookie contracts. OJ Mayo (comparable in height and athletic ability) is better then both these guys and its not even close. Unless Waiter's work ethic and shot selection improves he will struggle. He's not a 6th man gunner who can dominate the ball like he was at Syracuse. Rivers currently has no concept of team ball and scouting reports are going to make his weakness's as a player very hard for him to overcome early on. Both players will need some serious growth to do anything.
N.O. is looking at another high pick next draft while they play all their young guys and try to make them into NBA players. Its been a horrendous preseason for them.
Eeeerrrp wrong NOH are 3-0 this preseason, far from "horrendous" lol. Davis and Rivers both played good the first 2 games then bad the last game. Both are young and and have potential, especially Davis. Give them time then we'll see how they turn out.
With the game Dion is having against the Bulls, I think Dion will have the better year. Kids back in shape, hes got great skills and is exactly what the Cavaliers are looking for. He runs the offense so well, takes a ton off Kyrie. Tonight he's 4-4 on 3pts so I think its all about his confidence, like a lot of people say he can be a streaky shooter. Anyways, way to early to still tell, I'm just a hopeful Cavalier fan.
Dion waiters vs Bulls: 18 points 2 AST
Kyrie Irving vs Bulls: 8 PTS 0 AST 0-3 3PT shooting.
I really think that on nights like these where Kyrie is having a bad night, Waiters will be the guy to step up and continue to keep the Cavs moving. Now the interesting thing is when Kyrie and Dion learn to play together, man thats going to be scary. (Also not just basing this off one game, was just using this as an example.)
Advantage: Dion Waiters
I'm not high on either of these guys long term but if I had to choose one long term I'd go with Waiters. He has the better body strength to play through contact and finish, has the better pull up game already, is the better playmaker and he shows better signs on defense.
Both rookies are explosive scorers with an attitude that rubs others the wrong way. Who do you think will have the better rookie season? Most potential? Who's most likely to turn into a bust? Who's most likely to become a star?