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NBA Mock Draft 4.0 — Warriors Take Wiseman First, Hawks grab LaMelo

By Dallin Duffy

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Lamelo Ball of the Hawks celebrates hitting a three point shot late in the final quarter during the round 8 NBL match between the Illawarra Hawks and the Cairns Taipans at WIN Entertainment Centre on November 25, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Lamelo Ball of the Hawks celebrates hitting a three point shot late in the final quarter during the round 8 NBL match between the Illawarra Hawks and the Cairns Taipans at WIN Entertainment Centre on November 25, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /
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NBA Mock Draft
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 30: Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts in the second half against the Washington Huskies during their game at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on January 30, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. Utah Jazz. Nico Mannion. Scouting Report. 24. player. 118. PG, Arizona

Nico Mannion had to be one of the most disappointing freshmen in the nation this year and that shows in his draft stock. A preseason favorite to go in the top-ten, the Phoenix-born guard is no longer a lock to go in the first round.

That may be a bit of an extreme, and it’s still likely that Mannion goes in the late teens to early 20s, with the Jazz scooping him up here.

Mannion’s potential to be a solid floor general is still there and if nothing else, his smart passing should translate nicely to the next level. Almost everything else about his game should be questioned, however, especially his defense.

He’s fine guarding similar-sized players but is a major liability when it comes to switches, of which he’ll no doubt be a target. His wingspan measures lower than his height, which is almost always a red flag.

A volume shooter in college, he should be able to drain more three’s in Utah when he’s asked to do less and isn’t always the focal point of the offense. His interior offense might actually get worse at the next level however and veteran rim-protectors will appreciate his scoop layups.