Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Latest Episodes:

Michael Porter Jr. on His Top Five Shooters and Playing Alongside Nikola Jokic Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha are joined by Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.! They kick things off by discussing the Olympics and the potential that MPJ will play in 2028 (3:52). Then, they talk about MPJ’s shooting skills and why he’s received nicknames like Michael "The Possession Ends Here" Porter Jr. (8:50). Later, they touch on playing alongside Nikola Jokic (12:52) and the pressures of playing elite ball while juggling family demands (28:20).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Guest: Michael Porter Jr.

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Where Steph’s Epic Olympic 3s Rank, and Our Top Five Team USA Takeaways Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha take one last look at Team USA’s Olympic run, starting with the close call against Serbia (16:10). Then, they hit on the gold medal game against France (22:13) and address the top five takeaways from the games, including Steph’s ridiculous 3s, LeBron adding to his GOAT résumé, the Jayson Tatum controversy, and more (34:54)! Later, they play a game of Whose Career Would You Rather Have: Jrue Holiday vs. Damian Lillard edition (56:36).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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What Happened to the Summer of Tatum? Plus, Our Picks for Team USA 2028. Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha are back to break down Team USA and what they’ve seen thus far. They discuss the importance of Derrick White’s role (6:30), give Bam Adebayo his well-deserved flowers, and preview what Team USA could look like in 2028 (13:28). Later, they highlight the top three players leading the team, with a special shout-out to the GOAT, LeBron James, before touching on what’s happened to the Summer of Tatum after he got a DNP (33:31). Plus, they answer a few league questions (43:05) before wishing Austin a happy birthday!

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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LeBron’s U.S. Team, and Summer League Standouts Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha evaluate what we’re seeing from the exhibition games played by Team USA so far (3:46), discussing why Kevin Durant could take the fourth spot in the starting lineup, and how they could use Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum. Then, Austin reflects on his experience playing in the NBA Summer League against players like Damian Lillard. They wrap up by highlighting which players have stood out so far in Las Vegas (32:07).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Big Name Teams Losing Out on Key Players and Must-See Team USA Lineups Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha react to free agency moves, starting with DeMar DeRozan heading to the Kings (3:36), then talk through the Spurs’ additions with Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes (6:45). Later, they discuss why high profile teams are missing out on big name players (22:58), and then share what lineup they want to see for Team USA (58:14).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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The Warriors Made a Mistake and How Paul George Alters the East Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha break down the biggest story lines during this free agency period, starting out with Donovan Mitchell’s extension with the Cavs (01:34). Then, they discuss if the Sixers have surpassed the Knicks with the addition of Paul George (12:10) and how Isaiah Hartenstein helps OKC's title chances (26:00). Plus, Austin explains why the Warriors made a mistake not keeping Klay Thompson and the Warriors (33:54) and Boston's consistency (61:00).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Ben Cruz and Eduardo Ocampo

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Breaking Down the 2024 NBA Draft: Insights, Surprises, and the Bronny James Debate Jun 29, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha return to ‘Off Guard’ to dive into the 2024 NBA draft. The duo share their insights on the league's current landscape, favorite picks, plus, the most and least surprising moments. Finally, they weigh in on the nepotism debate surrounding Bronny James.

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Devon Renaldo

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Seth Curry on Finals MVP, Summer of the Celtics, and Memories From Duke Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha are joined by Charlotte Hornets guard (and Austin’s brother-in-law), Seth Curry, to discuss the NBA Finals! They dive into another dominant performance by the Celtics that resulted in a gentleman’s sweep and the Larry O’Brien trophy (3:05). Then, they talk through Jaylen Brown getting named Finals MVP (13:23), Jayson Tatum almost being crowned King of the Summer, and what they want to see at the parade.

Later, Seth dives into his time playing with the Mavs and compares playing with Kyrie in Brooklyn vs. Dallas (32:07). Plus, Austin and Seth reminisce on playing together at Duke and share another incredible Coach K story (45:32).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Guest: Seth Curry

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celtics Dominate, and the Old (and Whiny) Luka Returns Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha recap Game 3 of the Finals with the Celtics now within reach of their 18th franchise championship (0:40), and then they discuss the pride the Mavericks will play with in Game 4 despite facing insurmountable odds. Then, they discuss Jayson Tatum's and Kyrie Irving’s on-court responses to criticism in the media and talk through Luka’s seeming lack of effort on defense (17:30). Later, they touch on trends they identify as major components to building a successful team (43:20)!

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jrue Holiday Steps Up, and Why Game 3 Means More for Kyrie Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Austin and Pausha are back to talk Game 2 of the Finals and start by discussing the controversial block made by Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, which helped seal a huge win for the Celtics (0:45). Later, Austin shares his thoughts on why Game 3 means more for Kyrie Irving specifically (20:02) and then shouts out Jrue Holiday for being an absolutely vital piece of Boston’s roster (26:52).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.