2020 NBA Draft: Should Boston Celtics avoid Nico Mannion with #14 pick?

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wasn’t exactly bullish on the prospect of the Boston Celtics selecting Nico Mannion with the #14 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Armed with 3 first-round picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, Danny Ainge has a good chance to fill out the ends of the Boston Celtics bench. High on his list of priorities should be a high-upside wing to serve as a valuable bench scorer and cost-controlled puzzle piece in a way Javonte Green has not been able to due to his inefficiency.

Even higher on that list of priorities is fortifying the backup point guard position. While the Houdini has been harsh on Brad Wanamaker in the past, he actually has pulled his weight in the playoffs so far. The C’s could survive–if not downright thrive–with him getting those backup minutes at the 1.

That said, why not find a point guard in the draft? Wanamaker is 31 and owns depreciating athletic value. He can be an end of the bench emergency plug-in, but why not have more upside at the league’s arguably most valuable position?

Well Boston goes that route, B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman wants them to avoid Arizona’s Nico Mannion at all costs with the #14 selection:

"Mannion’s defense and likely inefficiency (because of limited tools and athletic ability) won’t be a great fit as Kemba Walker’s backup. If the Celtics are looking for another point guard, they’re better off looking in free agency or deeper down their bench."

While that may seem harsh, and Mannion has enough creativity with his finishes to survive as a backup (floaters galore in his arsenal), perhaps there could be more value to be had that high in the draft.

The late lottery is where potential top-10 talent can fall, but Ainge has a sketchy recent past drafting in the mid-late first round in recent years. Guerschon Yabusele, James Young, and Ante Zuzuc (who was at least traded to Cleveland and never wore a C’s uniform) all wave and say hello.

What do you think Boston Celtics fans? Should the C’s consider or avoid Nico Mannion in this year’s draft?