BOS with the 15th pick, draftexpress says we get Austin Rivers

[Boris Badenov]

He is a ball hog supreme with very little basketball IQ.

How exactly do you come to this conclusion?

It seems all the scouts (college and pro) praise him for his BB IQ.  He might be a ball dominant guard, which you call selfish, but most elite-level scoring guards are.

From NBADraft.net: "Often demonstrates poor shot selection, shooting shots out of range of normal offense or under duress … Is also used to trying to shoot himself out of slumps, and settling for contested jumpers off the dribble … Doesn’t show great floor vision, and often looks to pass as a last resort … At times, Rivers will pout and show bad body language on the court. He's developed a bit of a prima donna attitude which hopefully will change as he matures."

From DraftExpress: "Rivers' shot selection can be poor at times, and his body language often leaves something to be desired. He noticeably pouts at the first sign of adversity—whether it's the referee making a call against him, a few missed shots in a row or a teammate refusing to pass him the ball—and he doesn't appear to be the easiest guy to play with. Part of this can likely be chalked up to immaturity—as you often see in 17-year-old star players–but his case seems to be a bit more extreme than usual."

I think these reports were written before the beginning of the season, so it's possible that he has improved his reputation somewhat, but the issues were there.

[RMO]

I think I heard that Austin is staying in school another yr.  I'm sure his dad will encourage him to do so.  It's not like the family needs the $$$$$....  So keep dreaming (or having nightmares, depending on how you see this scenario).

That's what I wanted to ask.  Is it a foregone conclusion that he'll make himself eligible?  Doc seems like he's a family man and would take fatherhood very seriously.  I'd be surprised if he didn't encourage his son to finish school and get an education.  That being said, it's ultimately his son's decision.

[HajonHondo]

I'd love to have Rivers as a Celtic... but (as stated earlier in this post) I've heard he's staying in school.

[the_Bird]

He is a ball hog supreme with very little basketball IQ.

How exactly do you come to this conclusion?

It seems all the scouts (college and pro) praise him for his BB IQ.  He might be a ball dominant guard, which you call selfish, but most elite-level scoring guards are.

From NBADraft.net: "Often demonstrates poor shot selection, shooting shots out of range of normal offense or under duress … Is also used to trying to shoot himself out of slumps, and settling for contested jumpers off the dribble … Doesn’t show great floor vision, and often looks to pass as a last resort … At times, Rivers will pout and show bad body language on the court. He's developed a bit of a prima donna attitude which hopefully will change as he matures."

From DraftExpress: "Rivers' shot selection can be poor at times, and his body language often leaves something to be desired. He noticeably pouts at the first sign of adversity—whether it's the referee making a call against him, a few missed shots in a row or a teammate refusing to pass him the ball—and he doesn't appear to be the easiest guy to play with. Part of this can likely be chalked up to immaturity—as you often see in 17-year-old star players–but his case seems to be a bit more extreme than usual."

I think these reports were written before the beginning of the season, so it's possible that he has improved his reputation somewhat, but the issues were there.

Well, yeah, but...   as mentioned, they were writing about a 17-year old.  I don't watch a lot of college hoops, but he's only taking eleven shots a game - most on the team, but not an absurd amount.  

I think he's Monta Ellis II, and we can use a guy like that.  If we're picking at #15, you aren't likely going to get a great all-around player; you'll get someone with some warts.  

The team's going to be in pretty desperate shape next year just for a guy that can pull the ball in the hoop.  Ray's going to be gone, KG's going to be gone, Pierce may not be too far behind; who's going to be shooting the ball?  Rondo?  Bradley?  Moore?  JJJ?  We're going to need someone who can handle the scoring load, and hopefully whoever ultimately replaces Pierce at the other wing spot can play some D.

I do wonder if he ends up sticking around Duke a second season.  As was mentioned, finances aren't going to be a real driver.  Another season of seasoning, another year of developing the other elements of his game that people say are lacking, and he could easily be a lotto pick (if he isn't already).

[Eddie20]

Some people here think he's going top 5, which is ridiculous in this loaded draft.

[droopdog7]

He is a ball hog supreme with very little basketball IQ.

How exactly do you come to this conclusion?

It seems all the scouts (college and pro) praise him for his BB IQ.  He might be a ball dominant guard, which you call selfish, but most elite-level scoring guards are.

From NBADraft.net: "Often demonstrates poor shot selection, shooting shots out of range of normal offense or under duress … Is also used to trying to shoot himself out of slumps, and settling for contested jumpers off the dribble … Doesn’t show great floor vision, and often looks to pass as a last resort … At times, Rivers will pout and show bad body language on the court. He's developed a bit of a prima donna attitude which hopefully will change as he matures."

From DraftExpress: "Rivers' shot selection can be poor at times, and his body language often leaves something to be desired. He noticeably pouts at the first sign of adversity—whether it's the referee making a call against him, a few missed shots in a row or a teammate refusing to pass him the ball—and he doesn't appear to be the easiest guy to play with. Part of this can likely be chalked up to immaturity—as you often see in 17-year-old star players–but his case seems to be a bit more extreme than usual."

I think these reports were written before the beginning of the season, so it's possible that he has improved his reputation somewhat, but the issues were there.

Well, yeah, but...   as mentioned, they were writing about a 17-year old.  I don't watch a lot of college hoops, but he's only taking eleven shots a game - most on the team, but not an absurd amount.  

I think he's Monta Ellis II, and we can use a guy like that.  If we're picking at #15, you aren't likely going to get a great all-around player; you'll get someone with some warts.  

The team's going to be in pretty desperate shape next year just for a guy that can pull the ball in the hoop.  Ray's going to be gone, KG's going to be gone, Pierce may not be too far behind; who's going to be shooting the ball?  Rondo?  Bradley?  Moore?  JJJ?  We're going to need someone who can handle the scoring load, and hopefully whoever ultimately replaces Pierce at the other wing spot can play some D.

I do wonder if he ends up sticking around Duke a second season.  As was mentioned, finances aren't going to be a real driver.  Another season of seasoning, another year of developing the other elements of his game that people say are lacking, and he could easily be a lotto pick (if he isn't already).

I'm thinking they think he is immature FOR a 17 year old.  I've seen him play a lot and from my perspective, he has talent.  But he isn't someone that makes others better in any way.  Plus, I'd rate him about a 2 on maturity and the way he carries himself.  It's downright awful.

I wouldn't touch him one way or the other.

[Celtics Fan]

We don't need a point. We need real bigs who can play buddy.

[Marcus13]

that pick has disaster written allll over it

[csfansince60s]

a pouting, moody guard....hmmmm?...sounds familiar...doesn't sound like a good match for the one we already have

[slamtheking]

I'm not following the fascination for Austin Rivers.  If he ends up being the 15th pick, he's not the franchise savior people are making him out to be. 

C's need to take the BPA, period.  they've got holes to plug everywhere on the roster.

[lightspeed5]

ill be at the FSU vs Duke game tonight. cant wait. Get to see Austin Rivers in person

Rondo + Rivers

Dream team. whether its in half court rondo finding rivers for iso or for rivers to create his own shot, or on the run in transition.

[PosImpos]

The good news is that at this rate, we may pick higher than the 15th pick!

[LooseCannon]

We don't need a point. We need real bigs who can play buddy.

I'd take a flyer in the second round on Yancy Gates, who seem to be projected as a second round bubble guy who might go undrafted.  He'll be undervalued due to his role in the Cincinnati-Xavier brawl, but the team could use an athletic, physical, thuggish big.

[greenlion]

i say austin is in no hurry, with a multimillionaire dad, he'll be finishing school..at the very least his junior year..

[PosImpos]

i say austin is in no hurry, with a multimillionaire dad, he'll be finishing school..at the very least his junior year..

I tend to agree; I think he'll wait until he's projected to be taken in the top 10, at least.  He doesn't have the financial incentive to be one and done unless he's getting drafted that high.