Los Angeles Lakers: Top 2020 NBA Draft options to join LeBron James, Anthony Davis
Grant Riller, PG, Charleston
Admittedly, this is more of a sleeper pick here.
Grant Riller‘s stock is not exactly peaking right now, due in large part to his age (23), lower level of competition, and lack of elite 3-point shooting. However, if you’re looking for a diamond in the rough with the potential to make a sizable impact for the Lakers, Riller is one worth considering.
What Riller brings to the floor is a rare instinct for putting the ball in the basket. A creative dribbler who can weave his way through traffic and score through contact, he does a great job of creating points in isolation and drawing the defense in. Although his numbers don’t reflect it, he’s also a smart passer who can utilize that same creativity to get his teammates open looks.
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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
Every season at Charleston, his assist percentage improved (30.1 percent in 2019-20) and his scoring numbers shined. He finished this past season with a Player Efficiency Rating of 30.6 while boasting a True Shooting Percentage of 60.9. Put simply, Riller knows how to put points on the board.
The Lakers have never shied away from drafting older players, and are often successful when doing so. If they’re looking for someone who can provide valuable minutes as a rookie while serving as a shot-creator for the second unit, Riller must be considered.