Phoenix Suns NBA Draft: 3 prospects to consider if they trade down

Phoenix Suns NBA Draft trade-back options: Grant Riller

One of the biggest problems for the Phoenix Suns last year was finding stability at the backup point guard position. Jevon Carter had glimpses but succeeded more at shooting guard, and relying on Cameron Payne to maintain his bubble form is both unrealistic and unfair. Enter Grant Riller, one of the most readymade prospects in the draft who can fill the lead guard and scoring void off the bench.

Because Riller played at a small school he was always the center of attention and the player that opposing defenses schemed to stop. This forced him to learn how to adapt to constant pressure much like Devin Booker did in his early years with the Suns. Because of that Riller now has perhaps the most complete offensive game of any prospect.

In his final year at Charleston Riller shot an efficient 36 percent from behind the 3-point line on over four attempts a game. One thing to keep in mind is that most of these were on the move with a dribble rather than clean catch and shoot attempts like he will see more of at the next level.

Another part of Riller’s game that developed was his ability to draw fouls, as he shot nearly seven free-throws a game his final season.

While offensively Riller can do a little bit of everything he does not have the same potential on the defensive side of the ball. While he is no slouch on that side his height, 6-foot-1 without shoes and 6-foot-5 wingspan can only take him to a certain level. With his feel for the game and effort, Riller should at least be passable on that end, allowing him to stay on the court and let his offensive game shine.

The obvious downside to Riller is that he is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, turning 24 next February, so what you see is closer to a finished product. The argument against that is the current version of Riller is a multi-dimensional offensive scorer who can pass and play defense.

With the type of prospect, Riller is he could go anywhere from the late lottery into the early second round. James Jones is not afraid of drafting older prospects, and Riller fits a lot of what Jones likes, which is why he will be high up on the Suns board if they move down at all.