Sixers news: Grant Riller replaces Rayjon Tucker on two-way contract

In a mildly surprising move that not many people will care about, the Sixers waived Rayjon Tucker and signed Grant Riller, who will join Aaron Henry as one of Philadelphia’s two-way contract recipients. The Athletic’s Shams Charania made the report. Riller spent his rookie season in Charlotte, where he appeared in seven games and scored 18 total points.

Riller was the 56th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He previously spent four years at the College of Charleston, where in his senior season, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while slashing .499/.362/.827 as a shooter.

Known for his volume scoring prowess, Riller certainly fits the Sixers’ ongoing need for more backcourt shot-makers.

The Sixers have waived Rayjon Tucker to make room for Grant Riller, a player with more long-term promise in Philly.

The 23-year-old Tucker’s days felt numbered in Philadelphia. While it was generally assumed he would begin the season in a Sixers uniform, he never felt like a real part of the future. His pre-game dunks will be missed, and there’s potential for his athleticism and toughness to land him a role somewhere, but he’s just not a fit on the Sixers’ roster.

Tucker has two years of NBA experience under his belt — one with Utah, one with Philadelphia. He barely appeared outside garbage time last season, and his skill set becomes a bit redundant with Aaron Henry now occupying a two-way spot.

Riller makes a lot more sense with the roster. He’s a zippy 6-foot-3 guard who can create his own shot, or play off the ball as a complementary scorer. The Hornets’ bulging guard rotation probably rendered Riller a bit pointless, but given the Sixers’ lack of guards who can both dribble and shoot, Riller has a real chance to stick around.

Given the nature of his contract, Riller should spend a good portion of next season with the Sixers’ G-League affiliate in Delaware. Depending on how he performs in that setting, he could work his way up to a full roster spot in the future.