Celtics coach Doc Rivers spoke Wednesday about his son Austin’s decision to leave Duke after one season to enter the NBA draft.

Austin was the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, but the Blue Devils lost to Lehigh in their opening game of the NCAA Tournament. There was speculation that the early exit may have led the younger Rivers to return, but he instead became one of this year’s first one-and-dones.

“I think he’s always wanted to be an NBA player,’’ Doc Rivers said. “I don’t think he ever hid that. Coach [Mike Krzyzewski], one of the things he said was, ‘We recruited him as a one-and-done.’ Same way they recruited [Kyrie] Irving. That was part of what they talked to him about a lot before he got there.

“But he still almost stayed because he enjoyed it. He enjoyed Coach K. I’m happy for him. I really am. We had input in it. We let him have more input in it. And I’m just happy that he’s kind of at peace, he’s made his decision and now he has to get ready.’’

Austin Rivers is projected to be picked in the middle of the first round, and the Celtics own two first-round selections.

So, what if Austin is still on the board when the Celtics are on the clock?

“I would say, ‘Danny [Ainge], you’d better draft him,’ ’’ Doc Rivers said with a laugh. “And he could be [available]. That could actually happen. If it happens, it happens. We’re going to do what’s best for the team. I’m just not going to answer my phone [on draft night] because my wife will be calling.’’

The draft is June 28 in Newark. Doc said he likely will be at the team’s headquarters in Boston and not with Austin.

Allen out again

Ray Allen missed Wednesday night’s game against the Jazz but is getting closer to returning to the lineup from a sprained right ankle. Allen has not played since March 19. With Mickael Pietrus (concussion) also out, Avery Bradley got his second consecutive start at shooting guard.