Doc Rivers comments on Austin on WEEI

[Eja117]

I really hope this situation doesn't come up and that Austin is already off the board by the time the Celtics pick. 

Personally, I think Austin has some growing up to do on the court and am not really sure what his ceiling would be.  Right now, my gut tells me a volume scorer on a bad team without really making the team around him much better.

Forgiving the tourney, and I know it's not exactly the same thing, I'd say he made Duke better

[WeMadeIt17]

I see Austin being a monta ellis type player. Undersized 2 who can handle the rock and be able to dish out 4-6 APG. High volume scorer who will get to the rim with his speed. Could be a very scary combo with Rondo if he is willing to accept working off screens. If he comes off screens with rondo setting the table for him to be able to catch and go at Defenders hips and get to the rim! Whew that would be very scary for opposing teams.

[CFAN38]

I see Austin being a monta ellis type player. Undersized 2 who can handle the rock and be able to dish out 4-6 APG. High volume scorer who will get to the rim with his speed. Could be a very scary combo with Rondo if he is willing to accept working off screens. If he comes off screens with rondo setting the table for him to be able to catch and go at Defenders hips and get to the rim! Whew that would be very scary for opposing teams.

yes except Rivers isnt nearly as small as Monta Ellis. monta is 6'3 170lbs with a 6'3 wingspans, Austin is 6'4 200lbs with a 6'7 wingspan. Similar stlye player but Rivers is bigger and will fit in better as a pure SG.

[clover]

Hummmfrom this ..I thunkkkkkk ...."IF" Austin happens to be available when the "C's " pick (slim chance).  Danny will take him,  with input from Doc on wether to do so or not.

  If DA is waffling on another player and Austin is available , I think DA takes AR based on these comments from Doc.  
 
 I just don't know enought about the top 50 picks in the Draft to know if it is the right choice for the Celtics , given where we are the weakest ....the "5" spot .

    

Can you imagine Danny trying to push back against Doc by telling him that his staff says Austin Rivers isn't the right pick for them at that point--when the staffer informing his decision is Austin Ainge?

[clover]

I think Doc must believe that what Austin most needs to learn--defense, team play, some fundamentals, not playing unless you're bought in on and understanding the team defense and plays--is exactly what he, Doc, would be especially good at teaching him, particularly given their strong relationship.

I think Doc thinks that would be best for Austin and, with what he could do with him, that would be best for the C's to have too.

[Eddie20]

Would really enjoy seeing a 3 guard rotation of Rondo, Bradley, and Austin. A lot of speed, versatility, and athleticism. Kind of reminiscent size wise of the Pistons back in the day with Thomas, Dumars, and Microwave.

[Eja117]

Would really enjoy seeing a 3 guard rotation of Rondo, Bradley, and Austin. A lot of speed, versatility, and athleticism. Kind of reminiscent size wise of the Pistons back in the day with Thomas, Dumars, and Microwave.

Don't make me drool. I got a nice sweater on

[Eddie20]

Would really enjoy seeing a 3 guard rotation of Rondo, Bradley, and Austin. A lot of speed, versatility, and athleticism. Kind of reminiscent size wise of the Pistons back in the day with Thomas, Dumars, and Microwave.

Don't make me drool. I got a nice sweater on

Drooling = TP
 

[KCattheStripe]

I see Austin being a monta ellis type player. Undersized 2 who can handle the rock and be able to dish out 4-6 APG. High volume scorer who will get to the rim with his speed. Could be a very scary combo with Rondo if he is willing to accept working off screens. If he comes off screens with rondo setting the table for him to be able to catch and go at Defenders hips and get to the rim! Whew that would be very scary for opposing teams.

So he'd be Avery Bradley?

[greg683x]

yeah lets draft another combo guard.

we're too deep at center and PF anyway.

[Eja117]

I see Austin being a monta ellis type player. Undersized 2 who can handle the rock and be able to dish out 4-6 APG. High volume scorer who will get to the rim with his speed. Could be a very scary combo with Rondo if he is willing to accept working off screens. If he comes off screens with rondo setting the table for him to be able to catch and go at Defenders hips and get to the rim! Whew that would be very scary for opposing teams.

So he'd be Avery Bradley?

Another Avery Bradley? Awesome!

[thestackshow]

Man, we really need a legit Center. There has to be a 7 foot, athletic center out there that can score and rebound, comeon Danny, there has got to be a legit NBA center somewhere in this draft.

[RajonRondOWNED]

Why do people keep saying Rivers has to develop as a PG...

The dude is a SG who is 6'4. The same height as some of the best SG in the league.

[KGs Knee]

Why do people keep saying Rivers has to develop as a PG...

The dude is a SG who is 6'4. The same height as some of the best SG in the league.

TP

6'4" is legit heigth for a SG.  While typically 6'5"-6'6" is considered ideal, 2 inches of heigth isn't as important for a perimeter player as it is for a front court player.  Furthermore, Rivers' skill set is absolutely one of a SG, not a PG.

Just because a SG has good ball handling abilities does not mean they should be a PG.  Maybe a defacto PG, a la Kobe or LeBron, but not a PG by position.

[lightspeed5]

i seriously dont understand how some people can say "he has to be a point guard"

why? he's the same height as most of the best shooting guards. So hes good ball handler, cool. so hes a better shooting guard than all these SG who suck at dribbling.