OKC Thunder NBA Draft: 3 guards to avoid

Nico Mannion draft prospect preview:

Specifics:

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 190 pounds
• Wingspan: 6’2.5”
• Position: Guard
• Birthdate/Age: March 14, 2001 – 19.8 years
• College: Arizona, freshman
• Stat line: 14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals
• Home Town: Siena, Italy

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 11/16/2020.

Current Ranking:

Ranked with a high of 15th and low of 37th in a very wide ranging perspective of where Mannion should be selected. It begs the question of why some (NBA) feel he’s just on the periphery of lottery picks while others feel he’s a second-round selection.

• The Ringer: 27th
• NBA DraftNet: 21st
• ESPN: 25th
• CBS Sports: 36th
• NBA: 15th
• Sports Illustrated: 24th
• Bleacher Report: 37th

Strengths:

• High IQ
• His change of pace makes opens up his ability to hit teammates with passes
• Above-average playmaker thanks to his ability to spark transition and also run the pick and roll offense.

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Weaknesses:

• Size and strength limitations
• While he has a strong change of pace game his first step isn’t as developed
• Doesn’t utilize enough offensive versatility resulting in defenses expecting him to shoot floaters or stop driving when he faces larger, more physical defenders.
• Shot mechanics limit his shooting efficiencies.

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer lists Seth Curry, Landry Shamet, T.J. McConnell (with a jumper) as possible NBA comparisons.

OKC Thunder fit:

Although this trio offers up assets any team could utilize none of them is a perfect fit with the OKC Thunder even with so much roster replacement occurring.

Dotson’s speed is compelling as his defense but Luguentz Dort represents a better version of that with size and a better 3-point shot.  Mannion is an excellent playmaker but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is superior with length and offensive versatility. Of the three Maledon is the one who may develop into more and with Tony Park mentoring him that option seems more likely than not.