The Boston Celtics enter the 2025 NBA Draft with picks No. 28 and 32. As Hardwood Houdini continues its deep dive into prospects projected to go in that range, it's time for a comprehensive breakdown of Will Riley's strengths, weaknesses, and fit with the franchise.
The former top-ranked player in Canada averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in his lone collegiate campaign. Riley converted on 32.6 percent of the 4.1 threes he hoisted while playing for the University of Illinois.
He also had a 53.2 percent true shooting percentage. That measures shooting efficiency by measuring how one fared on twos, threes, and free throws.
Riley helped lead the Fighting Illini to a six-seed before bowing out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. At the combine, he measured over six-foot-eight without shoes. He also registered an eight-foot-eight standing reach.
He's only 185 pounds, but with his frame, there's room to add muscle. An NBA strength and conditioning program should help address concerns about his need to fill out to hold up at the next level. He's already making progress.
Will Riley's strengths on offense
Riley's a shot-maker, producing points from all over the floor. He plays at his pace and is comfortable when pressured -- he averaged 1.2 turnovers on a usage rate of 23.8 percent, which reflects him often having the ball. He'll change gears when needed to create separation going downhill and utilizes his long strides to get to his spots before shooting over defenders.
As a facilitator, Riley epitomizes the phrase, "You won't go broke taking a profit." He consistently makes the simple read. One shouldn't knock a recipe that produces points and minimizes turnovers. He sees the floor well, creates quality scoring chances for teammates when he drives, and delivers passes with a soft touch.
Illinois' third-leading scorer sought the ball and would stay active to get it. His cutting is a complementary component of his offensive arsenal that, like his attacking off the dribble, generated points for him and his teammates.
While far from a finished product, NBA teams view Will Riley as a significant long-term talent. He is a 6'8 versatile scorer with shot-making prowess who shows impressive flashes creating shots for himself and others, with polished scoring instincts and creativity as a passer. https://t.co/4lbLJeoThU pic.twitter.com/TLjcyNCkrs
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
The concerns about Will Riley's game on offense
The six-foot-eight wing is a streaky shooter. A shot-maker with a three-point conversion rate under 33 percent raises eyebrows. He also takes a high volume of mid-range shots, something most teams, especially the Celtics, would address.
There's also significant concern about what Riley's slender build means for his ability to remain effective when driving. Defenders disrupting him could lead to turnovers and him becoming less dynamic at the game's highest level.
Despite his length, Riley's also not much of a factor on the offensive glass. It's another issue stemming from his need to add muscle.
The good and the bad with Will Riley on defense
Riley's not the quickest or strongest of athletes. The latter created more issues navigating screens than defending drives. He's not slow, and even when beat off the dribble, he utilized his length to stay in the play and challenge shots.
The latter point speaks to his competitive level on defense, an essential starting point, especially for a player facing the physical challenges outlined.
However, if Riley's already relying on his ability to recover when attacked off the dribble, what will that look like in the NBA?
At a minimum, his length and effort must translate to an impactful help defender.
Should the Celtics draft Riley if he's available?
Riley's draft range starts right after the lottery -- the top-14 picks. It's a testament to the 19-year-old's upside.
He must get stronger and become a more consistent shooter from beyond the arc. However, there are reasons for optimism on both fronts. Again, his frame suggests he'll take care of the former. His three-level shot-making is worth believing he'll address the latter. Paired with his facilitating, it's a potential evolution worth investing in.
That's why it seems unlikely Riley's still on the board when Boston's on the clock if the franchise stands pat and waits until pick No. 28. The idea of the Celtics falling in love with him to the point they trade up to select him, if that's even an option, is a prospect this author is also skeptical about.
Boston has done an outstanding job developing players ranging from its stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, to a lengthy list including Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet, and Sam Hauser. That's also an argument against trading up.
So, while Riley might have a team ecstatic about taking a chance on the player he can mature into, that will probably be someone drafting before the Celtics.