27. New York Knicks (via Los Angeles) – Nico Mannion, G, Arizona
After adding LaMelo Ball with a top 5 pick earlier in the first round, I wouldn’t be surprised if the New York Knicks doubled-down with another guard. Nico Mannion is one potential option late in the first-round pick. Mannion averaged 15 points and five assists per game on 39 percent shooting from the field.
There are real questions about his offensive efficiency. After all, I’m not sure many teams are running to target players that shoot sub-40 percent from both the field and 3-point range. In today’s NBA, those are considered negative players.
Mannion could be the Knicks’ next project, even if he doesn’t show dividends right away. Loaded in the backcourt, the Knicks could emerge as an interesting team in the Eastern Conference next season. If the draft board falls in this manner, they should be ecstatic with the results.