Charleston’s Grant Riller can be a steal in the NBA Draft

Now that we made it through the NFL Draft, it’s time we shift some focus to the next biggest event with no live sports, the NBA draft. We already know the big names being floated around, such as Lamelo Ball and James Wiseman, but the draft itself seems to lack the star power its had in years past.  With no March Madness this year, as fans, we haven’t been able to really see the talent on display. As I start to really dive in to who’s available, I’ve found a few hidden gems that the Sixers can steal in the late 1st / early 2nd rounds. First up, I present you Charleston’s Grant Riller.

𝙏𝙤𝙥 🔟 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 ⏪

No. 3: Grant Riller with the big-time play and fadeaway jump shot off the glass #comeCus pic.twitter.com/qTDWDt4vif

— Charleston Basketball (@CofCBasketball) April 17, 2020

The NBA and more importantly, the Sixers desperately need more guys who can create their own shot. Grant Riller can do just that, averaging almost 22 points per game in 2019. Riller was almost unstoppable, excelling on both ends of the court, on & off ball. He was great at cutting to the basket and finding that open an open shot. Getting a good amount of iso calls, he can pick apart opposing defenses and is able to hit any shot available. 

Grant has performed on a high level for the last 3 seasons at Charleston. Averaging 21.9 PPG the last 2 years and 18.6 the year before. Averaging 50% shooting all 4 seasons he isn’t just chucking up shots, Grant is putting them down on a nightly basis helping lead Charleston to a 17-14 season in 2019. 

Prospect Play of the Day: Grant Riller is one of the draft's most prolific, efficient ISO scorers. Does a great job of creating space with step backs in either direction. The Charleston guard averaged 21.8 PTS on 55% from 2 and 36.4% from 3 last season. Can really fill it up. pic.twitter.com/lWLsasoPjZ

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) April 5, 2020

Some will pass on him for his age and time in college but if I were an NBA GM, I’d think the opposite. Having 4 years to grow, he can come into the NBA as a ready bench player. Riller can be the guy to get buckets for a team and grow into a crucial role player. Another knock on him is his small-school background, but players like Ja Morant and many others have proven it doesn’t matter where you played, it’s how you played. 

Grant Riller is so good at creating space + changing speeds in the open floor and out of the PnR.

#20 on my big board 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/Q2t0E5Jqvr

— Ethan Piechota (@EthanPiechota) April 19, 2020

Grant can attract the attention of several NBA teams who are in need of shooting. He should be able to contribute immediately or have the chance to grow into an NBA role by excelling in the G League.

Keep an eye on Grant Riller. His stock will continue to rise as teams begin to scout players further and bring them in for interviews and workouts. I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns out to be the guy you see earlier than you expect.