Off Guard with Austin Rivers

136 Episodes

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Austin’s Plea to Ant-Man, SGA, and Wemby. Plus, Talking Through Kevin Durant’s Legacy.

2025-02-1301:04:041

Austin and Pausha are back ahead of All-Star Weekend to break down their thoughts on how to fix the game. But first, they revisit the end of the Warriors’ honeymoon phase and the Lakers’ play with Luka (7:36). Then, they briefly discuss Brunson and KAT’s dynamic and share who they believe are the best “Robins” to their teams' “Batmans” (16:18). Then, they jump right into All-Star Game talk and discuss how it compares to the Hoop Summit and McDonald’s Game (24:12). Austin then addresses the responsibility that young stars like Anthony Edwards, SGA, and Wemby have to make the game both competitive and electric (27:35). Later, they give KD his flowers and talk through his legacy after he hit the 30,000-point milestone (43:51). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jimmy and Steph Honeymoon, Austin Reaves’s Importance, and Is a Rebuild Loading for the 76ers?

2025-02-1056:141

Austin and Pausha quickly share their takeaways from the Super Bowl and discuss how it compares to the Luka-AD trade (1:05). Then, they hit on Austin Reaves’s career-high 45-point game and discuss where he ranks among other guards in the league and his importance to the Lakers (16:04). Later, they react to Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry’s honeymoon-like period during Butler’s debut with the Warriors (29:02). Then, they discuss the Bucks’ promising win over the 76ers (41:12), and revisit how Cooper Flagg is playing at Duke (48:26). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warriors Win Jimmy Trade, Suns in Shambles, and Why Is Cam Johnson Still a Net?

2025-02-0741:551

Austin and Pausha are back with reactions to the wildest trade deadline ever! They kick things off by discussing Cam Johnson staying put in Brooklyn, hit on why the Warriors won the Jimmy Butler trade in a landslide, and talk through the Suns-KD catastrophe that leaves them in an incredibly awkward position. Then, they break down which teams won the trade deadline, from the Bucks to the Lakers and more! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Luka to L.A. Makes No Sense and Immediate Reactions to De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs

2025-02-0357:591

Austin and Pausha are in emergency pod mode! First, they react to the absolute monster of a trade that lands Luka Doncic in L.A. and Anthony Davis in Dallas. They unpack the deal from all sides and explain why the trade makes no sense across the board. Then, they offer their immediate thoughts on the second blockbuster trade of the weekend, which sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trae Young Gets “Traed,” Tyler Herro Gets His Flowers, and More All-Star Reserves Reactions

2025-01-3101:05:092

Austin and Pausha are back to run through the 2025 All-Star reserves list. They share the biggest snubs, the coaches' approach to choosing the roster, and which players are most deserving. Plus, they touch on the trade rumors about De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and then shout out Isaiah Thomas for his G League play. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wemby Takes Paris, Team Rivalries, and All-Star Starters Takeaways

2025-01-2756:311

Austin and Pausha hit on some football talk and share which rivalries in the NBA compare to Bills-Chiefs (1:02). Then, they dive into the announced All-Star starters and discuss LaMelo not making the list, plus which players could be named reserves (8:24). Later, they discuss the games in Paris and highlight the almost-crowned Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama (18:24), before Austin shares his experiences playing abroad. Then, they touch on another trade deadline conversation surrounding AD and the Lakers (25:50), before wrapping up with a brief discussion on season awards (42:34). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Consequences of "Free Basketball" and a Jimmy Butler–Suns Fit Check

2025-01-2359:041

Austin and Pausha kick things off by sharing their favorite go-to song after hearing Jokic loves listening to "Many Men" by 50 Cent (0:15). Then they hit on DLo’s comments regarding “free basketball” (4:39) and dissect both sides of the coin while also referencing Anthony Edwards’s recent play and potential adjustments (22:48). Later, they do some “fit checks,” weighing how Jimmy Butler would fit in with the Suns (27:35) and discussing which type of ball handler would be best next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit (46:07). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Problem With “Ring Culture” and CP3-Kobe Jersey Story Time

2025-01-2101:04:471

Austin and Pausha start the week by breaking down "ring culture" (10:51) and discussing how to work through performance anxiety (19:47). Then, they discuss which lower-seeded teams, among the Warriors, Lakers, Suns, and Timberwolves, would be the most competitive come playoff time (31:54). Later, they hit on the awkward moment between Jayson Tatum and Steve Kerr (36:26), and then Austin shares the scarring moment Chris Paul snatched up Kobe's game-worn 24 jersey… for his son (47:46). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ja Morant Flies Over Wemby! Plus, Trade Deadline Assessments and Jerseys for Auction.

2025-01-1701:02:031

Austin and Pausha kick things off with talk about Wemby’s jersey swap and the news that it was posted for auction soon after (1:00). Then, Austin shares which player’s leg sleeve (!) he had (4:15) and what sneakers he used to rock back in the day (7:21). Later, they briefly hit on Cooper Flagg’s potential fit with the Raptors (18:40) before discussing potential trade deadline moves with Cam Johnson, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and, of course, Jimmy Butler (24:43). Lastly, they touch on Russ’s recent comments to Jalen Green (48:04) and declare Ja Morant’s dunk over Wemby as the best dunk of the season (even if it didn’t count) (53:55). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cooper Flagg-Hornets Fit and the In-Person Giannis Experience

2025-01-1301:07:393

Austin and Pausha recap their weekend attending Magic games in Orlando and discuss their takeaways, from differences in playing time for Anthony Black vs. Cole Anthony, to Paolo Banchero returning from injury, to watching Giannis play in person (2:00). Then, they hit on the Pacers’ uphill trajectory (18:24), before breaking down how Cooper Flagg could potentially look if he were to be drafted by the Hornets (21:20). Later, they run through Zion’s suspension (33:31), Cade Cunningham holding his own in Detroit (40:15), and much more! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron’s Ridiculous Dunk, Zion Returns, and How Wemby Can Become Unguardable

2025-01-0901:15:073

Austin and Pausha break down last night’s games and start with addressing what Wemby needs to improve on to become unguardable (2:58). Then, they transition to talking about the highly anticipated Thunder-Cavs game, as they reevaluate Chet’s impact for OKC (24:26) and discuss the Cavs’ impressive play (27:14). Later, they hit on their Dunk of the Year candidate with LeBron punching it on Dereck Lively II (35:44), followed by Austin reflecting on a time he was viciously dunked on (42:01) and the time Brandon Knight was his roommate (44:31). Then, they share their takeaways on the latest news, from Zion’s first game back, to Reed Sheppard dominating in the G-League, to the Cooper Flagg dunk, and to the seemingly defeated Warriors (51:26). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s Left for OKC to Prove and Where Jimmy Goes From Here. Plus, LiAngelo Ball Spits Fire on "Tweaker."

2025-01-0601:08:401

Austin and Pausha kick things off with praise for LiAngelo Ball’s new song, "Tweaker" (0:10). Then, they dive into the Jimmy Butler–Heat conversation, breaking down arguments for both sides with who’s right and who’s wrong (8:25) before transitioning into a conversation about Ant and how he can improve (24:22). Then they talk about the Thunder's impressive record and what we expect from them in regard to SGA and postseason play (32:34). Later, they hit on the Bulls’ tribute to Derrick Rose (44:09), before hitting on Spurs-Nuggets (53:36), and discussing whether Wemby could be considered for “face of the league” (58:28). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Year’s Fit Check: KAT-Knicks, Westbrook-Nuggets, and D-Lo-Nets

2025-01-0201:04:301

Austin and Pausha are back in the new year and kick things off with talk about D’Angelo Russell’s fit with the Nets and discuss which team might be best suited for his offensive style in the long run (5:47). Then, they dive even further into the “fit” conversation and break down Russell Westbrook’s chemistry with Jokic (14:08), KAT’s success with the Knicks (21:07), and what teams like the Timberwolves and players like Zion need in order to be competitive (28:02). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cade Cunningham Underrated? Plus, Figuring Out the Kuminga-Warriors Dynamic.

2024-12-3001:02:332

Austin and Pausha are back before the New Year to break down all the holiday hoops. They kick things off by talking through Cole Anthony’s fluctuating role with the Magic (2:10) before getting into the similar situation with Brandin Podziemski and Golden State. They also discuss Jonathan Kuminga's recent uptick in play and the current dynamic with him, the Warriors, and Steph Curry (14:58). Later, they get into the NBA ratings discourse (16:55) before giving a birthday shout-out to LeBron James on his 40th (29:58). Finally, Austin shares his perspective on Mike Brown’s firing, and they wrap things up by giving Cade Cunningham some well-deserved flowers (47:40). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giannis and the Bucks Are Back, OKC’s Missing Piece, and Our All-Star Game Fix

2024-12-1901:06:392

Austin and Pausha jump into the show by breaking down the success of the NBA Cup. They discuss Giannis’s dominant performance and where the Bucks rank in the East after their win (2:04). Then, they hit on OKC’s loss and what type of player they might be missing (8:10). Then, they give Dame his flowers after Adidas announced a lifetime sneaker deal, and touch on his impressive performance with the Bucks and his relationship with Giannis (15:10). Later, Austin answers some rapid-fire questions about trade rumors and the new All-Star format (53:12). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did the Lakers Miss Out on Schröder? Plus, the NBA Cup's Impact and Brunson Gifts Austin His Signed Jersey.

2024-12-1601:07:532

Austin and Pausha discuss the recent Magic-Knicks matchup and Austin shares the moment Jalen Brunson handed him a signed jersey with a personal message (8:03). Then, the guys dive into trade rumors and discuss which team might’ve made more sense for Dennis Schröder than the Warriors (23:47). Later, they talk through the upcoming NBA Cup finals between the Bucks and Thunder and what a win might mean for either team (38:13). Lastly, Austin and Pausha share their favorite Christmas movies ahead of the holidays (65:23)! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the Bucks Back? Plus, the Hawks’ Stacked Playmakers, and NBA Cup Predictions.

2024-12-1201:05:221

Austin and Pausha break down the exciting NBA Cup quarterfinal matchups and kick things off with Hawks-Knicks. They highlight Dyson Daniels and the Hawks’ stacked roster of playmakers (4:54), and compare their roster depth to that of the Knicks (15:45). Then, they discuss Giannis and Dame starting to find their groove together and whether or not they believe the Bucks are back (33:33). Later, they hit on the wild finish between the Rockets and Warriors (42:15), Jimmy Butler and LeBron James trade rumors (46:00), and NBA Cup predictions for the rest of the tournament (57:00). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social:Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giving Chris Paul His Flowers, and How to Survive When Your Star Player Is Out

2024-12-0901:07:381

Austin and Pausha kick things off by reacting to Juan Soto’s historic MLB contract, with Austin comparing it to his first big NBA contract (1:20). Then, they share their takeaways from the Suns-Magic game they attended (8:55), discuss Chris Paul's climb to no. 2 on the all-time assists list (28:25), and dive into a round of rapid-fire questions in which Austin answers which player he’d take over another (35:10). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Erika Cervantes Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s Wrong With the Lakers? Plus, Ja Swears Off Dunking and Austin’s Advice From Carmelo.

2024-12-0601:02:032

Austin and Pausha jump into the show and hit on the Magic’s recent game against the Knicks and discuss the impact a nationally televised game has on the team and player (8:21). Then, they share which players they think would dominate a 1v1 tournament (17:41). Then, they address some of Ja Morant’s comments in the media about not dunking as much anymore, before Austin shares a very cool moment when Carmelo Anthony gave him a piece of advice (22:37). Later, they break down the Lakers’ poor record and discuss where they go from here (40:12). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harden Settling In, Coach Rankings, and Top Five Centers

2024-12-0201:03:042

Austin and Pausha jump into the pod and discuss the Clippers and how James Harden is settling in and rolling (4:00), before they hit on Thunder-Rockets and their stacked lineups (9:10). Then, they discuss the top two Eastern Conference seeds, the Cavs and Celtics (26:19), and talk through their top three coaches, with a special shout-out to Kenny Atkinson (29:42). Later, they wrap with a talk about their top five centers and whether they'd personally prefer an NBA MVP or Finals MVP (45:19). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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