Austin Rivers, who is the son of Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, reportedly has a guarantee from a team picking late in the lottery of the NBA Draft according to a report by Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
Teams picking in that range include the Toronto Raptors (8th), Detroit Pistons (9), New Orleans Hornets (10), Portland Trail Blazers (11), Milwaukee Bucks (12), Phoenix Suns (13), and Houston Rockets (14).
The Raptors are reportedly interest in moving their selection in a package for an All-Star caliber player, however, they might be inclined to select Rivers instead. According to the Charlotte Observer, the Raptors are "attracted to his assertive, don’t-back-down attitude."
Detroit is in desperate need of a franchise-altering type player, and Rivers could fit that bill. He would also give them a talented point guard capable of scoring and facilitating the offense.
New Orleans is unlikely to pick up Rivers, as they already plan to invest a lot in Eric Gordon, but they could always decide they need a talented young point guard to strengthen their back court depth and to compliment likely top pick Anthony Davis.
While the Blazers already have Jonny Flynn and Nolan Smith on their roster, they are likely to lose Jamal Crawford in free agency so there is a chance they might take Rivers, as he is arguably better than both of the aforementioned players.
Milwaukee is the least likely destination for Rivers of these teams as they already have Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis on their roster and will likely be looking for a big man with their selection.
Phoenix is a very intriguing possibility, as they are more than likely going to lose two-time MVP Steve Nash in free agency and will have a gaping hole at point guard left behind. If Rivers somehow manages to still be on the board for their pick, I can't picture the Suns picking anyone else unless they absolutely fall in love with another player during workouts.
The Rockets are another intriguing possibility. Kyle Lowry is reportedly wanting out of Houston amid clashes with coach Kevin McHale and having Rivers on their roster would make it much easier for Houston to deal their disgruntled point guard to another team.
Rivers will likely work out with the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Hornets according to the report from Yahoo! Sports.
Regardless of which team selects Rivers, he will likely be one of the better players from this draft class. If he goes to the right team, he has the potential to be an All-Star talent and could be a great floor general for a contending team.
Which team do you think would be the best fit for Rivers? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
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