Off Guard with Austin Rivers

The Ringer
NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening in the National Basketball Association. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories going on in the Association and of course, sprinkle in some of the best stories and memories from Austin’s extensive career.

All Episodes

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 HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10

1 hr 26 min

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 2

1 hr 14 min

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 HaghighiProducer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 29

1 hr 12 min

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 HaghighiGuest: Seth CurryProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 18

1 hr 12 min

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 HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 13

1 hr 3 min

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 HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 10

50 min 20 sec

Austin and Pausha fire up the mics following Game 1 of the NBA Finals and kick things off discussing just how different the Boston Celtics look with Kristaps Porzingis officially back in the mix (0:45). They then talk through the adjustments the Mavericks can make in Game 2 to flip the series (19:02) before reacting to the latest reports of the Lakers’ interest in Dan Hurley to be their next head coach (33:24).Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 7

47 min 10 sec

Austin and Pausha are back for the official ‘Off Guard’ Finals preview! They run through top story lines that include expectations for the Mavs and the Celtics, discuss who’s the best third player in the series, predict who takes home the win, and more!Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 4

57 min 40 sec

Austin and Pausha are back to recap the Timberwolves’ disheartening Game 5 loss, which also sent the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals (1:02). Then, they highlight the top story lines between Dallas and Boston, with an early Finals preview (14:10). Later, they talk through the Western and Eastern Conferences and how they could potentially stack up next season (24:17).Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 31

45 min 30 sec

Austin and Pausha break down Game 4 in the Western Conference finals, with the Timberwolves taking their first win of the series (0:45). They discuss the adjustments Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns made, and talk through the chances that Minnesota can push the series to Game 7. Later, they touch on how to identify solid players in not-so-great situations, and tip their hat to the Mavs for their “risky” additions this season (6:58). Then, they preview what a hypothetical Finals series would look like between the Celtics and Mavs, with Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown all at their peak (34:08). Plus, Austin and Pausha discuss where Luka ranks among the best players and how that would change if he can take home a ring!Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29

1 hr 5 min

Austin and Pausha are back to discuss the devastating loss for the Pacers in Game 2 against the Celtics, and emphasize the dominant Tatum-Brown duo (11:05). Then, they hit on Kyrie and Luka’s epic performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, before addressing adjustments the T-Wolves have to make for the rest of the series (44:40). Plus, the guys take a quick look back at LeBron’s best years.Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24

1 hr 7 min

Austin and Pausha are back to break down the Timberwolves’ huge Game 7 win over the Nuggets (1:12). Then, they share a trend they’ve observed that emphasizes the importance of having depth on your roster versus star power (17:31). Later, they make predictions for the Wolves-Mavs Western Conference finals, and give a shout-out to Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers for moving on to the Eastern Conference finals (45:32).Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducers: Erika Cervantes and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 20

1 hr 9 min