No. 17 (via Memphis): Nico Mannion, Arizona
While the Celtics Wire has been critical of mocks seeing Boston take a gamble on Mannion’s potential, the 6-foot-3 guard was once seen as a lottery pick, and team president Danny Ainge has signed more than a few highly-regarded prospects who fell due to a bad season in the NCAAs.
Mannion’s slight frame, bad shooting and suspect defense have caused him to lose a lot of his shine coming into the collegiate ranks despite his above-average court vision and passing.
But, with All-Star point guard Kemba Walker and veteran Marcus Smart already on the roster and two way floor general Tremont Waters demonstrating enough abilities as a reserve, the pressure would be low for the 19-year-old while developing.