12
Precious Achiuwa Forward, Memphis
13.3 Points, 9.8 Rebounds, 1.2 Steals, 1.6 Blocks, 45% FG, 17% 3PT, 28 MPG
After a very good start to the season, Precious Achiuwa has slowed down a good bit. His field goal percentage has decreased along with his point-per-game total, which is a shame considering the fact that he was slowly making his case to be the top wing prospect in the draft.
His defensive abilities are already great, but his offense still has a ways to go. Seeing him slip into a Nassir Little-type situation would be extremely unfortunate turn of events.
The teams that will roll the dice on Achiuwa are those that are swinging for the fences in rebuilds or contenders who are lucky enough to have elite prospects slip into their laps on draft nights. The Charlotte Hornets fall into the rebuilding category, as Michael Jordan could gamble on Achiuwa and hope that he develops into the two-way stud so many hope he will become.
Draft Stock Trend: -6
13
Nico Mannion Guard, Arizona
14.4 Points, 2.0 Rebounds, 6.5 Assists, 1.0 Steals, 43% FG, 36% 3PT, 30 MPG
For the second time in a row in the Pippen Ain’t Easy mock draft series, Nico Mannion finds himself landing in Detroit, Michigan and the Pistons. The Pistons have a need for both floor spacing and a lead guard, and Nico Mannion covers both of these issues late in the lottery. In any other draft, Mannion is likely a top-ten pick. However, with the mass of point guards in the mix, Mannion more than likely gets drafted in the teens.
Mannion and Luke Kennard would make up an elite shooting backcourt for the Pistons that could create space for Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin to do work inside.
Mannion would thrive with a sharpshooting backcourt partner and two rim-running bigs, as Detroit seems like an ideal situation for the freshman guard. If he wants to crack the top-ten, however, he will need to improve his defense and field goal percentage.
Draft Stock Trend: -4
14
Killian Hayes Guard, France
11.4 Points, 2.4 Rebounds, 6.3 Assists, 1.6 Steals, 43% FG, 32% 3PT, 26 MPG
Ricky Rubio has been a great find for Phoenix this season, as he has allowed the offense to flourish in Monty Williams’ system, but he doesn’t exactly fit Phoenix’s timeline. After years of poor lottery luck and failed point guard experiments, the Suns finally have the opportunity to have a legitimate stopgap and develop an heir to the lead guard spot simultaneously.
This deep point guard class gives Phoenix the opportunity to finally snag a lottery-worthy point guard with a late-lottery pick. Hayes is a very good passer who has proven that he can play with grown men in the EuroCup.
Hayes also has great size at 6-foot-5, which makes him a very capable defender. A pass-first, defensive-minded point guard could be perfect to pair in a backcourt with Devin Booker and to feed DeAndre Ayton down low.