2020 NBA Mock Draft: Looking to the future after a chaotic 2019 draft

MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy handles the ball on offense against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 12: Nico Mannion #2 of World Team dunks the ball against the USA Team on April 12, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of USA Basketball. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 (Photo by Sam Forencich/USA BAsketball) /

8. player. 86. . G. Arizona. Nico Mannion

Mannion will be in my backyard this year at Arizona, and I couldn’t be more excited for how the Pac-12 is shaping up. Washington and Arizona are both going to be competitive teams with potentially two lottery picks apiece, and both will give the conference two legitimate challengers in the NCAA tournament.

The floor will be spaced for Mannion. The point guard developed quickly over the course of his high school career, won a state championship as a senior, and has impressed in competitions such as the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit. The value he provides will come down to his playmaking. With Josh Green as a secondary scorer and slasher and Dylan Smith and Brandon Williams spacing the floor, Mannion will be able to dice up defenses in the halfcourt through simple pick-and-rolls. Add in a deep frontcourt that includes junior Ira Lee, senior Chase Jeter and Nevada transfer Jordan Brown, and the stage is set for Mannion to produce at a high level.

Mannion walks into a situation a bit like the rookie quarterback who already has the veteran offensive weapons around him. The Arizona native, whose father played professionally in the NBA and in Italy, is in a perfect position to succeed.

The lingering question is how he adds value. Point guard is a tremendously deep position in the NBA and in this draft class as well. Mannion sees the floor well in transition and sees hit-ahead passes at an elite level, a skill that is emerging as a must-have for elite point guard prospects, from Lonzo Ball to Trae Young to Ja Morant. In addition, Mannion is a solid pull-up shooter and has nice touch around the basket.

Examining the manner in which Mannion develops as a defender, shooter and all-around scorer will be important as the late-bloomer continues to grow.

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