Kings Pulse Draft Profiles: Grant Riller and Theo Maledon

Riller and Maledon likely play the same position but vary greatly as prospects, particularly in their age and current competition level.

By Brenden Nunes | 4 Comments | Sep 11, 2020

On these profiles for Kings Pulse, we dove into two point guards that very likely could be selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. Grant Riller, the senior from Charleston, and Theo Maledon who most recently played rotational minutes in the Euroleague.

Riller projects to be an NBA ready prospect after playing four seasons at Charleston and will be almost 24 at the time of the draft. Despite the concerns with age and competition level, his space creation and tough shot-making at 3-levels is undeniable and his ceiling may be higher than some give him credit for.

As for Maledon, he will need time to mold into a valuable piece but the tools are there. He has a promising wingspan and great-IQ as is so common with Euroleague players. Theo Maledon being years younger than Riller means a likely higher upside and he is by all accounts regarded as an extremely hard worker under the wing of Tony Parker.

If both were available for Sacramento to select at 35, who would you prefer they take?

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2020 NBA Draft / Grant Riller / Theo Maledon

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sonny

September 11, 2020 11:18 am

Wish we had half the number of these candidates in 2015.

eddie41

September 11, 2020 2:06 pm

Interesting comparison. Between the two players, I’d rather take Riller. The Kings would be looking for someone to take Yogi Ferrell’s spot, someone who would only be one injury away from getting significant minutes, and I think Riller is more ready. Both seem to be limited defensively. You mention the lack of length Riller has and question whether he will be able to finish in the nba like he did in college. Remember Isaiah Thomas lacked length but his finishing ability translated to the nba. For a guy who would be in the top 11 on the depth chart I would think what you are is more important than what you could be unless the upside is truly special and you think he’ll reach it. I also think culture is important and I like rewarding people for achievements and improvements over the years. That being said, I do like some parts of Theo Maledon’s game. I would rank Malachi Flynn over both prospects. And I might place Cole Anthony below both because he failed in his one year of college.

eddie41

September 11, 2020 3:05 pm

Here’s a comparison I would like to hear you explore: Patrick Williams vs. Killian Tillie. One a projected lottery pick, the other a projected 2nd rounder.