With loads of young talent already on the team, the Pelicans have the luxury of taking a chance on somebody here. Nico Mannion is another of those top freshman recruits who had a disappointing college season, but still flashes potential from time to time.
The Arizona guard shot just 39 percent from the field after being labeled an offense threat out of high school, but still has plays that make the highlight rounds. He should be asked to shoot the ball less in the pros, and that’ll take some pressure off Mannnion, who did his best in college while passing.
His 5.3 assists per game ranked second in the Pac-12, and he dished out 2.06 assists per turnover. He’ll have the court vision to set Zion, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo, or whoever it may be up in the Big Easy.
Mannion’s defense is a bigger question mark than his shooting, and while have to be disguised by any team that drafts him. his 6’3, 180 frame makes him a bully-target on that end of the court, and that’ll probably never change during his time in the pros.