Detroit Pistons 2020 NBA Draft Profile: Nico Mannion

Mannion’s strengths

At first glance, you’d find it shocking that Mannion, a 6’3” 190 pound 18-year-old would even be a top-ten pick in the draft.

But Nico, the son of two professional athletes, has become an internet sensation with dazzling highlights flocking followers from around the sports world.

As a Freshman, Mannion has posted an impressive 14.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG and 5.8 APG. In fact, he’s posted double figures in 15 of the 20 games as a Wildcat. Better yet, per 100 possessions, Mannion boasts an offensive rating of 113.3 and 26 points.

The true standout statistic is the facilitating that Mannion has put on this season. He ranks 2nd in the Pac-12 with 115 assists.

Mannion continues to absorb a plethora of accolades. He was selected to participate in the 2019 McDonald’s All American game, along with being a two-time state champion in back-to-back seasons at Pinnacle High School. He led the U16 European Championship A in scoring with 19.9 PPG in 2017.

The accolades aren’t what NBA scouts will be focusing on, though. It’s Mannion’s endowment of play-making in the open court. His vision, exquisite ball handling and solid ambidexterity are all extremely valuable strengths that will translate to the next level.

Mannion sat down with ESPN NBA draft analyst Mike Schmitz in December and one of the first talking points was the ability that Mannion has to see the whole court in transition. With either one hand or two, Mannion zips passes with fluidity to make it effortless for his teammates to put up a shot.

In this clip, Mannion is able to find long-time friend and teammate Josh Green for an easy transition three. Schmitz points out that his head is immediately up and surveying the court for an open teammate.

Not only can he find the open man, but the unique variety of angles in which he does emerges as an elite strength. This is especially proficient coming off a screen. Several occasions has Mannion distributing the ball either in a kick out or a drop off to a spoon-fed shot.

While watching film of Mannion, it’s strenuous not to compare his ferociousness to NBA star Russell Westbrook. Although he may not rely on his speed as much, his intelligence in how he uses his quickness to attack the rim can’t go unnoticed.

This athleticism and determination to continuously attack will only increase his chances to draw contact and lure in extra defenders.

Off the dribble, he has a serious knack for knifing through pick and rolls. His floater is flawless already, and he’s stated that he took notes from former eight-time NBA All Star Steve Nash on that aspect.

Additionally, the astonishment in which he is able to cover so much with so little. His ability to burst down the court with just one dribble is absurd.

The Arizona-native thrives in off-the-ball situations. He crashes the glass well, sets and stabilizes solid screens, and finding open areas on the floor via back cuts and fluid movement.

Defensively, Arizona head coach Sean Miller has stressed to Mannion to pick up the ball early and often. His hands seem to always be alert and up, especially on ball screens so the offense struggles with strike passes.

Containing defenders isn’t easy, but Mannion excels in locking down in one-on-one situations. His instinctual ability to keep his man in front will also be something scouts respect.

From watching his tape, you can immediately pick up that Mannion has played for a long time. He just has an excellent feel for the game. Whether it’s his ability to score off the dribble or his quick hands in the passing lane, he’s always in the right spot on the court.

He will only continue to polish his game in the next level and progress as a true all-around point guard.