Detroit Pistons 2020 NBA Draft Profile: Nico Mannion

Mannion’s weaknesses

Shooting can never be more important in today’s game and this is something that the Freshman really needs to improve on. Although he isn’t atrocious from deep, 35% isn’t pretty either. Mannion will need to be at least respectable from three if he wants to be considered an elite point guard in the NBA.

His shot-making while off the dribble is the most concerning. If he can improve that, especially when coming off a high screen from the top of the key, then he becomes a serious threat at the next level.

He already has an incredible knack to get to the rim, so combining that with a respectable outside trigger will be lethal.

Schmitz’ implausible analysis of Mannion’s needed work in late-clock one-on-one situations exposes another area of improvement.

Defensively, Mannion has been exposed with relaxing guarding his man. At the NBA level, he’ll need to tighten this area up, along with showcasing an ability to defend on switches. The NBA is extremely heavy on switches, and he’ll need to commit a prowess for containment moving forward.

Scouts will point out that he lacks elite physical tools as well. He just isn’t big enough or fast enough, either.

At 6’3”, he’s about average for point guards in the NBA. He’ll need to become stronger and continue to improve his craftiness. Given that he’s already an extremely intelligent player, look for him to become relentless in experimenting new avenues to score and facilitate.

Given all this, the Italian is still only 19 years old. He’s raw, and still has a preposterous amount of potential in his game. He’s proven that he can play with the best (Leading scorer on Italian National Team), and his competitiveness will introduce himself seamlessly to a bright future.