Ranking every player on the Sixers’ 2021-22 roster

Ranking every player on the Sixers roster — 16. Grant Riller

The Sixers scooped up Grant Riller in free agency after an innocuous rookie season in Charlotte. While Riller played 27 total NBA minutes last season, his flashes of talent were plentiful in the G-League. A College of Charleston product, the main question from Riller’s pre-draft days remains: he can put up numbers, but can he do it at the absolute highest level of competition?

This will be a pivotal second season for Riller as he attempts to stick around the NBA. He’s already off to an unfortunate start, having torn his meniscus in the Sixers’ first preseason game. Hopefully a quick recovery will allow him to get back on the radar of Doc Rivers, Daryl Morey, and the broader NBA decision-making community sooner than later.

Riller’s skill set is rooted in his scoring ability. The man puts up points when afforded the opportunity. He’s a twitchy ball-handler, using crossovers, step-backs, and various other slick maneuvers to clear space and get his shots off. Riller’s efficiency behind the 3-point line leaves something to be desired, but he’s an electric on-ball scorer nonetheless.

At 6-foot-2, Riller’s problems show up most frequently on defense, where he’s easily exploited by bigger, more physical ball-handlers. Riller doesn’t lack in the effort department, but he’s not a great run-jump athlete and doesn’t have the length to deter some opponents.

The next step for Riller is becoming a more well-rounded player. There’s no doubt he can score the basketball, but what else does he provide at a high level? Riller needs to prove he can successfully run the offense and set up teammates, on top of himself. Also, a more proficient 3-point stroke would work wonders. At 24 years old, the clock is ticking.