Although a very highly-rated high school recruit, NBA scouts have held their breaths to see how Nico Mannion’s game would translate to the NCAA. What these scouts were concerned with was Mannion’s lack of athleticism typically seen in NBA prospects.
To this point, however, Mannion has been able to continue to find success in his time at Arizona. Averaging 14.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game to go along with 1 steal on 53 percent shooting from the field and 48 percent from range, Mannion is an unbelievably efficient basketball player that any coach would love to have on their team.
The Pistons could certainly use Mannion, as Derrick Rose will likely remain the marquee bench player while Reggie Jackson could be on his way out of town. As the primary ballhandler in the Motor City, Mannion could be a great catalyst for outlets such as Luke Kennard, Blake Griffin, and Andre Drummond. In addition, Mannion would provide much needed floor spacing for the back-to-the-basket Pistons.
Draft Stock Trend: +3
Jaden McDaniel’s college career has gotten off to a shaky start, as the former five-star recruit is putting up averages of 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on a mere .39 field goal percentage and .29 three point percentage. Although the offensive woes are well alive for the Huskies forward, his defensive numbers have been solid, averaging 1.5 steals and .8 blocks per contest.
Despite these subpar numbers, McDaniels is considered by many to be a top prospect in this draft class. Thus, considering the overwhelming number of point guards on the board combined with a best player available strategy for the rebuilding Thunder, taking a high-ceiling prospect like McDaniels is probably the best bet for OKC.
Draft Stock Trend: -3
In my last mock, I had the Blazers selecting Jeremiah Robinson-Earl at 14th overall, while also stating that he could be a top-ten pick soon. Three weeks later, Portland finds themselves three slots higher in the draft than they were and Robinson-Earl sneaks closer to the coveted top-ten. Barring a trade, Portland will need to address the power forward position via the draft without a doubt. Thus, the fit is simply too good to pass on.
The stretch four has put up a solid 13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 49% shooting from the field and 40 percent from range. Defensively speaking, Robinson-Earl will need to improve, yet he has the physical tools to do so. The winning atmosphere that surrounds Vilanova may also be enticing to Portland, as the team is supposed to be in win-now mode.