2012 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Austin Rivers



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2012 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Austin Rivers


Position: Shooting Guard

Size: 6-4, 190

School: Duke, Freshman


Strengths:
  • Pure scorer
  • Outside shooter
  • Limitless range from deep
  • Pull-up jumper
  • Creating his own shot
  • Thrives in one-on-one iso situations
  • Quick crossover, first step
  • Outstanding ball-handler
  • Utilizes jab step to create space
  • Use of floater in the lane
  • Creative finisher at the rim
  • Body control when attacking the basket
  • Doesn’t shy away from the big moment



    Weaknesses:
  • A bit undersized to be a true NBA shooting guard
  • Playing off the ball
  • Frequently too selfish
  • Handling contact
  • Strength
  • Toughness as a defender

    Summary: Rivers is already one of the most talented scorers in college hoops. However, there are severals areas of concern about how he will transition to the next level, most notably his lack of strength, ability to play off the ball and defensive prowess. I think he would benefit from returning to Duke for his sophomore season but would likely be selected in the mid-lottery to mid-teens if he did declare this off-season.

    Player Comparison: Monta Ellis. Ellis is only 6-3 but has become one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA. Rivers is in a similar situation due to his size and lack of strength, but just has a natrual feel as a scorer whether it’s attacking the basket or shooting it from deep. In fact, Rivers is probably already a better outside shooter than Ellis and has the ability to score at an elite level one day in the NBA.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2012 NBA Mock Draft


    2013 NBA Mock Draft


    2012 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2012 NBA Draft Scouting Reports








    Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
    Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
    All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




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