Originally Posted by
Ogden Park
I'm loving the dirt being thrown on this kid's grave by the typical reactionary types. You start your post by stating "2 games does make a career" when the reality is that 2 games really doesn't mean ANYTHING to an undersized rookie guard learning completely new skills and concepts, only one year removed from HIGH SCHOOL.
Looking at Rivers objectively, you have to think long term. Anyone expecting big things from him this year is really not knowledgeable about professional hoops. Guys like him take time. I suggest you focus on how he grows throughout the year, and stop making ridiculous claims about his jump shot confidence, much less how lost he looks on D. His D has actually been incredibly encouraging to some of us, considering that was a weakness of his. His effort is outstanding, and he has a good grasp of Monty's concepts already. His +8 in 29 minutes last night suggests his defensive presence was fine, especially considering how little he contributed offensively.
His jumper will come, as will his dribble penetration. This is the NBA, not the ACC, and it is incredibly difficult for an agressive player like him to adjust his game accordingly.
No offense, but its pretty clear you don't really grasp the learning curve for young rookies learning a new position and role, so for your own sake try to practice patience with him and look for growth, not immediate results. As a matter of fact, I'm personally not looking for anything significant from him until year 3, which would be a normal, rational projection for a player in his situation.