The biggest priority for the overall success of Will Riley's career is a team that will let him grow and develop as an athlete.
At just 19 years old, Riley’s days of competing in the NBA are far down the road, and the situation his team is in is incredibly important to his development and career.
After a season that saw the forward average 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and shoot 32.6% from the 3-point line, most mock drafts have Riley going in the late teens. Along with fellow teammate Kasparas Jakucionis, the Illini project to have 2 players drafted in the first round for the first time since 2005.
The best team and situation for Riley to get drafted to is the Memphis Grizzlies.
With the 16th overall pick acquired from the Orlando Magic in the recent Desmond Bane trade, this is around the spot where he is likely to fall. The Grizzlies are entering a very interesting time in their franchise that might be to the benefit of Riley.
Following the previously mentioned Bane trade, the Grizzlies may be looking to move on from their current core and enter some sort of rebuild or retool phase. With low team expectations for the next few years and further trades to be made where they can accrue a ton of assets, Riley would be the start of a young and talented new core.
Allowing him time to develop in the G-League with a franchise that is now geared toward the development of their younger players perfectly aligns with what Riley needs to succeed as an NBA player.
Will Riley needs to avoid this franchise in the NBA Draft
Comparatively, one of the worst situations for Riley to be drafted into is the Atlanta Hawks, which hold the 21st overall pick.
With logjams at his position and a questionable future ahead, Riley may not be able to reach his full potential with the team.
After drafting forward Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick in last year's draft, Atlanta will look to him to be the future of the position for a long time to come. For Riley, this could lead to limited playing time throughout his career or less of an emphasis and dedication to his development.
Moreover, the Hawks find themselves somewhat in no-man’s land, being neither a true contender nor a bottom-feeder team. This middling mediocrity means that Riley may not find a ton of team success, or at least may not find much within the next five years or so. And with the status of star Trae Young’s trade availability being in question, tougher years may be ahead for the organization.
Much like any young athlete, being drafted into the right situation that will allow them to flourish is crucial to their overall career success, and Will Riley is a prime example of that. Given the flashes of talent he has shown thus far, Riley has the skills to become the best Illini in the NBA.