Mock Draft 2.0: New Orleans Pelicans Jump into Top Four

(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans, Nico Mannion
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 27: Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats: New Orleans Pelicans Mock Draft (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Point Guard / Arizona. 11. 66. Pick Analysis. Phoenix Suns. Nico Mannion. player

After a nice start to the season the Suns have fallen back to their familiar position as one of the NBA’s worst teams. I

It feels like the Suns have been rebuilding forever and this draft pick is not likely to change that in and of itself.

The Suns are middle of the pack in both offense and defense, so they need help on both ends of the floor, but aren’t helpless.

Nico Mannion finally gives the Suns a young point guard to pair with Devin Booker.

Yes, Ricky Rubio is signed for the next two seasons at a hefty price, but what better player to mentor the young Arizona point guard?

Mannion does not project as a star in the NBA but he is a high I.Q. point guard who can shoot the ball and he would instantly be a home town favorite in Phoenix.

Mannion is also a savvy defender even though he lacks elite athleticism, which means he would fit in well beside Booker and forward Kelly Oubre Jr.

The Suns could also look to shore up their wings with this pick, but Mannion’s upside and the fact that he plays right down the road at the University of Arizona will make him too enticing to pass up.