Report: Austin Rivers Receives Promise From Team in Late Lottery

With the NBA Draft only a couple of weeks away, many potential draftees are currently working out for various teams, a process that players tend to conclude when they receive a promise from a squad that they’ll be selected if they’re still on the board when that team is picking. And according to Yahoo!, former Duke guard Austin Rivers has earned himself a promise from a franchise with a pick in the late lottery: “One NBA assistant coach said he was surprised Austin Rivers didn’t work out at the NBA’s predraft combine here Thursday. The East scout expects Rivers to be selected in the Nos. 10-20 range, but an NBA source told Yahoo! Sports that Rivers has a promise late in the draft lottery. The Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Hornets plan to work out Rivers. Former NBA coach Flip Saunders recently worked out Rivers and said he was as talented as shooting guard he worked out over the last 15 years. Saunders loved Rivers’ quickness, first step, shooting ability and work ethic, likening him to Golden State Warriors rookie guard Klay Thompson. ‘If I was a team in the top 10, he’s a kid I would be zeroing in on because he has the ability to score,’ Saunders said. ‘Maybe I’m partial, but I’ve always said coach’s kids who have had dads who have been in the NBA, a lot of times know what it takes. They’re not intimidated by situations. They know how hard you have to work and usually have more respect for the game.'”