2020 NBA Mock Draft: 4.0 halfway through the NBA season
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13
Nico Mannion Guard, Arizona
14.4 Points, 2.0 Rebounds, 6.3 Assists, 1.1 Steals, 0.0 Blocks, 43% FG, 33% 3PT
As the Phoenix Suns finally appear to be taking the turn towards contention that they should be, the draft focus now shifts to creating a roster that will have success in the playoffs. The most important thing in the modern NBA is obviously shooting, and Nico Mannion certainly checks this box.
As one of the top recruits in the 2019 high school graduating class, the Suns can rest assured knowing that what is perhaps their last lottery selection has some upside as well as shooting skills. Mannion’s numbers do not scream shooter, but the deep ball is more than certainly there.
The Arizona guard is also a very good passer, which could help greatly help the reserve unit for the Suns. Phoenix seems to have found a point guard in Ricky Rubio as of now, but Mannion is more on the Suns’ timeline than the 29-year-old Spaniard. Adding Mannion to a bench that is absolutely loaded with shooters is an exciting thought for Monty Williams and company, who are already trending up.
Draft Stock Trend: +/- 0
14
Vernon Carey Jr. Center, Duke
17.4 Points, 8.6 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 0.6 Steals, 1.9 Blocks, 61% FG, 57% 3PT, 24 MPG
With the final selection in the lottery, the Spurs take a very San Antonio-type player in Vernon Carey. The team is a fringe-playoff group for the second year in a row, which is something very new for the Spurs, who are used to constant success.
Even more disappointment could be on the horizon as well, as a rebuild could happen down in Texas. Carey is not a good shooter and probably never will be. There are also a lot of questions regarding his motor as well.
These two reasons are the only ones why Carey is not going to be a top-ten selection. As one of the top players in his high school class, Carey has translated his game to the college level and the Spurs will hope he does the same in the NBA.
In the mid-teens selections of the NBA Draft, one finds that the teams that select here are stuck in utter mediocrity- which is the absolute worst thing that can happen to an NBA franchise. Here, taking swings on risky but high-potential players is a wise thing to do. The same is true for San Antonio, regardless of what the organization decides to do with their stars.