With the 2020 NBA Draft coming up, the New Orleans Pelicans don’t have a clear direction in the draft, considering the team has everything they need to make the playoffs. However, one position they lack serviceable players at is the point guard position.
Targets for the New Orleans Pelicans:
- Lamelo Ball
- Killian Hayes
- Cassius Winston
- Nico Mannion
Unless a miracle happens like last year, Lamelo Ball is out of the picture and most likely Killian Hayes. Cassius Winston is a good prospect but isn’t projected to be a top 25 pick.
That leaves Arizona guard Nico Mannion.
Overview of Nico Mannion and what his impact would be on the New Orleans Pelicans:
At Arizona Mannion posted a stat line of 14 PPG, 2.5 REB, and 5.3 AST while shooting 39 percent from the field and 32 percent from 3 on 5 attempts per game.
Why would the Pelicans need another guard you ask? The Pelicans backup point guard is Frank Jackson, who plays 1 fourth of the game at just 12 minutes of playing time while averaging 5 points, shooting only 38 percent from the field. Jackson isn’t the way to go right now as he doesn’t fit with the Pelicans.
Nico is projected to be a late lottery pick, and if things go as planned, the Pelicans should land the 13th or 14th pick. Nico brings the perfect playmaking as a backup to the Pelicans’ starter Lonzo Ball, and he also brings spacing for the Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry with his pace and space coaching style.
In conclusion, drafting Nico Mannion will definitely boost the rebuild for the Pelicans and will most likely allow them to attempt to go on a playoff run.
Getting Frank Jackson out of New Orleans for a second-round pick, or another shooter will benefit the Pelicans a lot and will give the Pelicans an A+ grade for the offseason.
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