13
Aaron Nesmith Guard/Forward, Vanderbilt University
23.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, 51% fg, 52% 3pt, 36 mpg
One of my personal favorite prospects in this draft, Aaron Nesmith is a player who can slide into literally any NBA system and make an immediate impact. As the clear-cut top shooter in this class, Nesmith thrives as an off-ball option that would be a perfect addition for New Orleans, as he would give Zion Williamson more room to work inside, while also serving as a go-to outlet for Lonzo Ball.
As an off-ball player, he would not take the ball away from ball-dominant players like Ball, Williamson, and Brandon Ingram, which is always an extremely valuable commodity in the NBA.
In transition, Nesmith is a player who can both catch lobs and pop threes on the break. Nesmith also defends well, as his frame and athleticism allows him to guard the one through three. He has had trouble creating his own shot, but he does not necessarily have to be able to do so at the NBA level, as teams welcome the presence of off-ball players who do not take touches from other players who cannot play without the basketball.
His size allows him to play either wing position, which allows for great versatility. He will more than likely be available at thirteen for the Pels, and he will likely well outplay his draft position and be a great asset in New Orleans.
Draft Stock Trend: +3
14
Nico Mannion Guard, University of Arizona
14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.0 blocks, 39% fg, 33% 3pt, 32 mpg
Portland has had a very strange season, as they went from being runner-ups in the incredibly tough Western Conference to a lottery team. They did not lose any major pieces this past summer, so the team’s slow start did not make a whole lot of sense.
Some call for Portland to blow things up, but that may be a bit premature. Instead of reaching for the stars on a project piece or high-ceiling guy as they did in the 2019 Draft with Nassir Little, but rather take a bench piece to help take the load off of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
Nico Mannion has had a bit of an up-and-down season for the Wildcats, but he has a solid three point shot and playmaking abilities that will keep him in the lottery in spite of his average play at Arizona. As a former five-star recruit out of high school, Mannion is still very much riding his high school reputation as a floor spacer and distributor, which is likely a major reason why he is still in the lottery conversation.
He won’t wow you with his athleticism or flashy play, but he is more athletic than he appears at first glance. Although he is unlikely to be anything more than a bench player, Mannion could definitely be a solid floor general with a reserve unit.