Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley announced his intentions to enter the NBA Draft after a solid freshman season.
The five-star freshman should have plenty of suitors, as he’s expected to be a first-round pick. What exact teams will be looking to add the former Illinois forward?
5 NBA Landing Spots for Will Riley
Will Riley has declared for the NBA draft. On Instagram he says:
“No matter where this journey takes me, I’ll always be a Fighting Illini…” pic.twitter.com/BhSMCgqhVX
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) April 14, 2025
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have compiled a several long, rangy wings — so why not add another in Riley? At 6’8″, 180 pounds, Riley needs to add mass to his frame to be able to succeed at the next level. Being selected by Atlanta would provide him time to do so as well being able to learn from those ahead of him in the lineup.
Currently, the Hawks hold the 14th and final pick in the lottery, which is subject to change on draft lottery night. But if that holds up, that’d be the exact range that Riley is projected to be drafted, making it a good fit for the Fighting Illini forward.
Orlando Magic
The Magic are in a similar situation as the Hawks, as they also have several big wings, namely stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
A defensive-focused team driven by head coach Jamahl Mosley, Orlando would be wise to add another young forward who can defend and shoot the three, as Riley proved he could do in his lone collegiate season, especially later in the season.
Spacers are needed on the court next to the Magic’s two stars and Riley would provide that with the ability to grow into more with continued development. He drove to the rim against smaller defenders well, but was pushed around by stronger defenders making it unlikely he’ll be able to do that his rookie season.
The Magic are also have a great developmental coaching staff that could get the most out of Riley.
Miami Heat
The Heat have seemingly formed their big men combo for the future with 2024 first-rounder Kel’el Ware and All-Star Bam Adebayo. What they’re lacking as far as youth goes is a wing that can space the floor.
Andrew Wiggins is in that role now, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and has shown signs of decline for years now. Riley could slot right into that role off the bench while providing tough defense. Heat Culture would be good as far as pushing the Fighting Illini forward to get stronger and more physical.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder hold the No. 25 pick in the draft, and if Riley were to last this long, General Manager Sam Presti would be wise to select the former five-star prospect in Riley and add him to their collection of talented young players.
The Thunder are basically stockpiling talent at this point and have had numerous developmental success stories; Riley could be another if he drops this far in the draft and could be on the steals of the night.
KEEP READING: Full 2025 NBA Mock Draft: Florida’s Title Impact, Houston’s Future, and Surprising Risers
Indiana Pacers
For as long as All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is on the roster, the Pacers will be on the hunt for long wings who can run. Riley fits that bill, as he’s a tremendous athlete while being comfortable shooting from beyond the arc.
That would be a perfect combination off the bench for Indiana with the expectation that he can develop into a long-term solution at the small forward position in the starting lineup for the years to come.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
