NBA Mock Draft 3.0: The New Orleans Pelicans Land the Best Shooter

ATHENS, GA - JANUARY 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs could fit well with the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - JANUARY 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs could fit well with the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Carmen Mandato/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. Pick Analysis. Phoenix Suns. Nico Mannion. Point Guard / Arizona. 10. player. 66

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

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

light. Related Story. What do the Pelicans do with Frank Jackson?

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.