Austin Rivers: Duke Star Will Be One of Draft's Biggest Surprises
Austin Rivers will have a major impact in the NBA, despite what his doubters say. It's true that Rivers is a bit of a tweener, standing between 6'3" and 6'4" with a scorers game and mentality.
While he'd be a big point guard, he's a small shooting guard. It's the classic stuck between two positions scenario for a backcourt player. What many fail to understand is that Rivers possesses traits that trump this stigma.
Let's start with the tangibles first:
Dribble-Drive Moves
Off the bounce, Rivers has as much game as anyone in the draft. He has a very quick first step and a nice variety of crossovers, hesitations and step-back moves at his disposal.
He uses them to get space for his jump shot or to try and get to the basket.
One of the things that separate players on the offensive end from the defensive end is their abilities to create their own shots. Most players can't do this in the NBA.
Most players don't possess the handle, dexterity or speed to consistently beat opponents off-the-dribble.
Rivers has that ability, and this is one of the things that make him a special prospect. When you can do this consistently, being an inch or two shorter than the ideal backcourt player is a negotiable shortcoming.
Get to the Line
This is the key for any player with potential to average upwards of 18-20 points per game in the NBA. Of the top 10 scorers in the NBA this past season, all 10 averaged at least five free throw attempts per game.
Big time scorers must get to the line consistently, and Rivers does that. In his lone season at Duke, Rivers shot 5.4 free throws per game. In the NBA that number should increase.
He definitely needs to make more than 65 percent from the line, which is what he did last year, but the skill is there.
Athleticism
I've heard people talk about Rivers not being an explosive athlete. I laugh at that notion, and I offer this video as means for them to re-evaluate that assessment:
Now I'm not calling him Nate Robinson in regards to run-and-jump ability, but he certainly is far from Steve Kerr.
Now for the intangibles:
His Game is Made for the Pros
Rivers is one of those players that will shine more in the NBA than he did in college. His game is predicated on isolation plays and taking his man off-the-dribble. That isn't the college game, and it certainly isn't the philosophy at Duke.
When he gets to the NBA, you'll see him operating more freely. That will result in a more aggressive and effective player.
Killer Instinct
The kid they call Sub Zero is a cold-blooded killer on the floor. He showed us that with this game-winner to beat arch rival North Carolina.
He wants the ball at crunch time, and he has the skills and heart to deliver. This is a underrated quality, and when you have a guy that possesses it, it's invaluable.
In close games you need a player you can go to when the play breaks down.
That's the kind of player Rivers is.
I expect Rivers to be drafted anywhere from eighth to 16th overall. Depending on where he goes, don't be surprised to see him make a run at Rookie of the Year.
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