Sixers 3 goals: Grant Riller needs to add consistent jumper, defense

In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 17 players that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 15 under contract and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2021-22 season.

The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp begins on Sept. 28. Now is the time to begin previewing the season and get everybody set for a new adventure of Sixers basketball.

This edition will focus on the team’s other two-way player, Grant Riller. After one season with the Charlotte Hornets following a productive college career at Charleston, the Sixers brought in Riller on their second two-way deal to add more depth at guard.

Here are Riller’s three goals for the 2021-22 season:

Become a consistent shooter

In order to survive in this NBA era, a player has to be able to knock down open looks from deep. Riller took only four shots from deep in seven games played for Charlotte and he knocked down two of them after he shot 35.6% from deep across four seasons in college. For his sake, he needs to knock down open looks. The Sixers could always use more shooting to properly space the floor for their offense. While Riller will have to develop other parts of his game to be a rotation player for Philadelphia, he should start with the 3-point shot.

Improve on the defensive end

For Riller to become a rotation player, he has to be able to become a productive player on both ends of the floor. If he can understand that he needs to watch a ton of film and learn the tendencies of his opponents as well as also understanding the work it takes to be a good defender in this league, the Sixers can get a lot out of Riller. He has the potential to be a 3-and-D player off the bench for a long time.

Learn from the veterans

There are so many examples of success on the Sixers that Riller can turn to for his own endeavors in Philadelphia. To improve his shooting, he can work with Seth Curry and Danny Green while learning the importance of defense from Matisse Thybulle. There is much experience and talent in Philadelphia, and that offers a great opportunity for Riller to learn and grow as a player.

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