Latest news with #WillRiley
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Washington Wizards 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pick
The post Washington Wizards 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Washington Wizards were dealt an unlucky hand in May 12's draft lottery, but their front office continues to prove its worth. By Thursday night, they turned the Nos. 6 and 18 picks into Texas guard Tre Johnson, Illinois forward Will Riley, Florida State guard Jamir Watkins, and two future second-round picks. Advertisement The No. 6 selection was the lowest that the Wizards could've gotten in the lottery after finishing with the NBA's second-worst record this past season. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively, got the top three picks despite already having stars on their rosters. However, Washington made the most of its situation, and its future outlook is the brightest it's been in years. Here are grades for all three of its picks: Round 1, Pick 6: G Tre Johnson, Texas Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Wizards are still far from contending, which means they need to draft the best players available without worrying about 'positional fit.' That's what they did by adding Johnson to a guard/wing-heavy roster. Advertisement Rutgers wing Ace Bailey, who is the best difficult shot-maker in this class, surprisingly went to the Utah Jazz at No. 5. Utah was in a similar boat as Washington after the lottery, as it also received the lowest pick it could have gotten after finishing with the NBA's worst record, just one game behind Washington in the standings. The Wizards could have theoretically gotten the No. 5 pick if Bub Carrington didn't hit a game-winner on the Miami Heat in the last contest of the season, but Johnson might have a better career than Bailey at the next level. Johnson's game is easily translatable, as it aligns with the modern NBA. The SEC Freshman of the Year is the best overall shooter in this class, as he excels at off-the-dribble, catch-and-shoot, and jumpers off of screens. He shot 41.6 percent on contested catch-and-shoot threes, 38.1 percent on off-the-dribble threes, 44.2 percent on transition threes, and 54.8 percent on threes off of screens with the Longhorns this past year. Those are encouraging numbers for a Washington squad that had the worst offensive rating in a league that collectively finished with an NBA-record 37.6 three-pointers attempted per game in 2024-25, via Basketball Reference. Johnson's elite shooting talent gives him a reliable baseline to thrive in today's game while he improves in other areas. The 19-year-old took just 20 percent of his shots at the rim with Texas, and he averaged just 2.7 assists against 1.8 turnovers. He also took some plays off, which Wizards general manager Will Dawkins brought up during his pre-draft visit with the team, via Monumental Sports Network's Chase Hughes. He said it motivated him 'to be great,' which is the right attitude, but these are all weaknesses he must strengthen to be a premier point guard for Washington. Advertisement Even with those flaws, the Wizards made the right choice by selecting Johnson over Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears, who the New Orleans Pelicans selected No. 7. The 18-year-old has the best handles in the class and gets to the rim at ease, but shot just 28.4 percent from deep and stood at just 6-foot-2.5-inches against Johnson's 6-foot-4.75-inches at the Combine. He could become an electric slasher and facilitator in the NBA, as his 32 percent usage rate was among the highest in the country and took a weak roster to the NCAA Tournament. However, Johnson is a safer bet to succeed due to his shooting chops. The latter player will now combine with Carrington, who set a Washington franchise rookie record with 138 threes made this past season, to form its backcourt of the future. Final grade: A Round 1, Pick 21: F Will Riley, Illinois The Wizards traded back from No. 18 to No. 21 for No. 43 and two future second-rounders before selecting Riley at No. 21. The Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year is a jumbo-sized shot-creator, as he measured at 6-foot-8.25-inches barefoot at the Combine, shot 61.3 percent at the rim, 36.5 percent on contested catch-and-shoot threes, and 30.6 percent on off-dribble threes for the Fighting Illini this past season. Advertisement Riley's 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio also bested Johnson's 1.5, although the latter had a 29.4 usage percentage against the former's 23. Still, it shows that Riley already has reliable playmaking skills for someone his size, which will help keep defenses guessing. However, his defense and rebounding need improving, as he averaged just 0.6 steals and blocks (stocks) along with 4.1 boards. Bulking up might help, as he weighed in at a slender 185.6 pounds at the Combine. Riley could combine with Johnson to infuse life into Washington's offense moving forward, and the former will be a consistent rotational piece if he improves on his weaknesses. Final grade: B Round 2, Pick 43: G Jamir Watkins, Florida State Finding a consistent contributor is a win at this point in the draft, and Watkins has the tools and talent to succeed. Combine those with the second-team All-ACC honoree's track record, and it's hard not to like this pick. Advertisement Watkins spent his first two seasons at VCU before soaring with the Seminoles in his final two campaigns. The latter program converted him into a full-time starter, and he averaged 15.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting as a junior after posting 9.5 points on 41.3 percent shooting as a sophomore. He followed that up with 18.4 points on a 42.7 percent clip this past season, but his defense is what's most exciting for the next level. Watkins averaged 2.2 stocks over his two seasons at Florida State in addition to measuring at 6-foot-5-inches barefoot with 6-foot-11.25-inch wingspan and 8-foot-6.5-inch standing reach at the Combine, which all bodes well for his NBA potential at that end. The 23-year-old's Summer League performance in July will show where he is compared to his peers. Final grade: A- Related: Wizards' GM shares 'serious' assessment of Jamir Watkins after NBA Draft Related: Tre Johnson reveals how he fits Wizards' rebuilding puzzle Wizards' overall draft grade: A-
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Will Riley: Wizards sign 21st overall pick to rookie scale contract
Former Illinois forward Will Riley, the 21st pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed his rookie-scale contract with the Washington Wizards on Sunday, according to the official NBA transaction report. Riley was the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 43.2% shooting from the field as a freshman. He logged nine starts, finishing third on the team in scoring after registering six 20-point performances. He will make $3,512,520 next season, according to Spotrac. The 6-foot-8 standout helped Illinois reach the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year this past season as the sixth seed. He set a freshman program record with 22 points and four assists on March 21 in a win over Xavier in the first round. Riley was projected to be a first-round pick because of his size, scoring potential and ability as a passer. He was also able to create separation for himself, with his array of dribble moves, jab steps and step-backs on the perimeter. The Canadian also proved a capable floor spacer, despite shooting 32.6% on 4.1 attempts per game from beyond the arc. He worked extensively on his shot throughout the predraft process and will look to showcase it with the Wizards next season. Riley is expected to suit up for the Wizards for at least five games in the NBA Summer League, beginning on Friday against the Phoenix Suns (9 p.m. EDT, ESPN).
Times
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Times
Litelok
Rank 94Annual sales growth over three years 59.24%Bike and motorcycle locks maker Fed up with useless locks that failed to prevent several of his bicycles from being stolen, Professor Neil Barron, 59, a former Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer, set about creating a tougher alternative. The resulting Litelok range, incorporating the company's patented technology, is designed to withstand even attacks by thieves using angle grinders. The business, which began life in Swansea in 2013 with seed investing by Barron's long-time friend and business partner Will Riley, 59, racked up sales of £5.2 million last year. Explore the Sunday Times 100 — interviews, company profiles and more
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Will Riley of Kitchener, Ont. selected in first round of NBA draft
Rising basketball star, Will Riley, in his hometown of Kitchener, Ont. in 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV Kitchener) A basketball player from Kitchener, Ont. is headed to the big league. Will Riley, 19, was selected 21st overall in the first round by the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. But he won't play for the team, as he was traded shortly after to the Washington Wizards. Riley attended both Grand River Collegiate Institute in Kitchener and Preston High School in Cambridge. He also played with the K-W Vipers basketball club. will riley kitchener basketball The 6-foot-8 forward then moved the Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania where he was flagged as a standout on the hardwood. In early 2024, the then 18-year-old was named MVP out of the 40 best high school players in the world, outside of the United States. That announcement was made during the NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. Riley then moved on to the NCAA and the University of Illinois, where he played one season for the Illinois Fighting Illini. During those 35 matches, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. will riley Will Riley announces where he'll be playing basketball on June 23, 2024. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV Kitchener) Riley is only the 22nd Canadian since 2011 to be drafted by the NBA in the first round. He is also the second basketball player from Kitchener to play for the league. Jamal Murray was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2016 and still plays for the team. Like Riley, he is also a former student of Grand River Collegiate Institute.
Winnipeg Free Press
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Will Riley first Canadian selected in NBA Draft, traded from Jazz to Wizards
NEW YORK – Will Riley was the first Canadian selected in this year's NBA Draft. The Kitchener, Ont., was taken 21st overall by the Utah Jazz. Riley was then traded to the Washington Wizards for Walter Clayton Jr. Clayton had been drafted three spots earlier, 18th overall. Riley averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman for the Illinois Fighting Illini. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The six-foot-eight small forward started nine games and played 35. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.
