Could Austin Rivers Go Higher Than Expected?

        Austin Rivers' freshman year at Duke did not go exactly as the young guard expected. The top-rated high school player in the country struggled with his role, handling point guard duties initiating the offense, setting up himself as well as his teammate and his production was good, but not great. But NBA teams know that pairing Rivers with a true floor general, moving Rivers off the ball will do wonders for his progress. He is a better shooter than his numbers suggest (36.5 percent from 3-point range, 65.8 percent from the foul line) and a better playmaker as well (0.9 assist-to-turnover ratio).

        Although Rivers did not participate in the Chicago Pre-Draft Combine, he did measure in well- standing 6'5" and a solid 203 pounds with an average 6'7" wingspan. He was listed at 6'4" and some teams felt that he was closer to 6'3 in shoes, but nonetheless, this should only help Rivers moving forward who we currently have slotted in the mid-teens.

        An aggressive scoring mentality means Rivers' won't back down no matter who his defender may be at the next level. This confidence combined with his better-than-expected size means Rivers will be in play at high at Toronto at No. 8 who could really use his perimeter shooting and penetrating abilities.


By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 6 - 11 - 12