clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2012 NBA Mock Draft: Duke's Austin Rivers Could Be A Timberwolf

2012 NBA mock drafts continue to pour in and, while it's too early to have a consensus, it seems the experts have narrowed the Minnesota Timberwolves search to just a few players. One of those players is Duke Blue Devils guard Austin Rivers.

Rivers was the projected Wolves pick when ESPN's Chad Ford released his updated mock draft earlier this week and again showed up on Thursday when Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick did his version. Amick's very tapped into the NBA and, after discussions with NBA personnel, he's apparently decided Doc Rivers' son is the best for Minnesota.

His swagger is seen as a positive by some and a turnoff by others, but it's undeniable that Rivers is the sort of scorer whose skills should translate at the next level. The Wolves, who saw Wes Johnson continue to struggle at shooting guard/small forward this season, would make their compelling roster even more interesting with this addition.

"Interesting" probably isn't the perfect word fans are looking for when it comes to the Wolves roster, but finding a Wes Johnson replacement is certainly key this offseason. If Rivers is able to handle those duties from opening day, well, that'd be even better.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.