BOSTON — Austin Rivers figures to be a Top 15 pick in the NBA Draft, according to one veteran NBA scout.
“I think he’s going in the Top 15,” the scout told SNY.tv Friday. “He’s had a good year. He got better as the year went on. He slowed down and got himself more under control and figured it out.
“He has a great upside. He has a bright future.”
A second NBA scout disagreed, saying Rivers won’t be a lottery pick: “Rivers is a scorer who can get to the basket. He needs to work on his perimeter shooting and defense. First round but not lottery.”
DraftExpress.com has Rivers, the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, projected at No. 18 in its mock draft.
CBSSports.com reported that the 6-4 Rivers will turn pro after a freshman season in which he averaged 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
He scored 19 points when Duke was upset by Lehigh in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
