2020 NBA Draft mock 4.0: First 31 picks post lottery

2020 NBA Draft mock #27: New York Knicks (via Clippers)- Nico Mannion

The Knicks have two first-round picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. They selected Killian Hayes at eight overall in this mock. New York should again take the best player available as they attempt to rebuild their roster.

Nico Mannion was a surefire lottery pick entering the season. Now, he falls out of the first round in some mock drafts. The 6’3 point guard struggled with his jumper in his lone season at Arizona. It caused his draft stock to plummet.

The counting stats were fine. Mannion averaged 14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.3 minutes per game. He shot just 39.2 percent from the field and 32.7 percent on his 3-pointers.

This season put the 19-year-old’s ability to score at the NBA level in question. He did not have the quickness to get his past his defender off the dribble. Mannion also struggled with his jumper and finishing inside. Without all three of those, how does he score in the NBA?

The Knicks take a shot on the upside here. There is a reason he was a lottery pick coming into the season. Nico Mannion has ball-handling and playmaking ability. Improving his jumper and defense will be the focus as he makes the jump to the NBA.

Next: No. 28