Tag: Nico Mannion

Nico Mannion among Warriors to participate in G League bubble

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Mannion will be among three players to play in the NBA G League bubble.

On Sunday, Golden State Warriors players Nico Mannion, Alen Smailagic and Jordan Poole will all join the Santa Cruz Warriors to begin the 2021 NBA G League season.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr previously mentioned that the opportunity for Mannion to play in the G League bubble would be highly beneficial to his development. Mannion, who is signed to a two-way contract, this season has logged only five appearances, registering 30 total minutes.

“The plan is for them to be there the whole time but we know those plans can change based on injuries, protocol, anything like that,” Kerr said on Wednesday. “It’s a good opportunity for all three guys to go get a lot of experience. We’re excited about it.”

The NBA G League on Wednesday released the full 135-game and TV schedule for the 2021 season set to tip off Feb. 10 at the Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida. 18 teams, including the NBA G League Ignite, will each play 15 games through March 6.

The top eight teams from the regular season will then advance to a single-elimination playoff, set to begin March 8 with the NBA G League Final to take place on March 11.

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Jordan Poole, Nico Mannion and Alen Smailagic joining Santa Cruz Warriors at G League Orlando bubble

According to Steve Kerr, rookie Nico Mannion, Jordan Poole and Alen Smaiagic will join the Santa Cruz Warriors for the G League Orlando bubble.

The Santa Cruz Warriors will soon welcome a trio of new players for the start of the G League Orlando Bubble.

According to Steve Kerr, rookie Nico Mannion will join Jordan Poole and Alen Smaiagic for the G League in Orlando. Teams are slated to arrive at Disney World for the G League’s edition of the bubble on Tuesday, Jan. 26, with games set to begin on Feb. 8. G League teams are expected to play 12-15 games in Orlando.

Before tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, Kerr said the plan for Mannion, Poole and Smailagic is to play as much as possible during a stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors.

The plans are to send Nico, Jordan and Smiley to Orlando to play as many games as possible. Hopefully, we stay healthy during that time, so those guys get as much experience as they can. They all need to play. We have met with all those guys. It’s something that I think could be very productive for all of them.

During his rookie season, Poole spent three games with Golden State’s G League affiliate. Through 11 NBA games in 2020-21, Golden State’s 2019 first-round pick is averaging 5.3 points on 39.1% shooting from the field with 1.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

After being drafted out of Arizona with the No. 48 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Mannion has played limited action, averaging three points on 33.3% shooting from the field in three games.

After dealing with a knee injury, Smailagic will likely make his 2021 debut in the Orlando Bubble. Kerr said Smailagic is getting “right to that point” where should be returning to practice. As a rookie, Smailgic appeared in 14 games for the Warriors, averaged 4.2 points on 50% shooting from the field with 1.9 rebounds per game.

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Warriors plan to play Nico Mannion in the G League bubble at Disney

The Warriors are one of 18 teams that will participate in the 2021 NBA G League season at the Wide World of Sports Complex.

Golden State Warriors rookie Nico Mannion has only played in one game this season, but that could soon change with the NBA G League season tentatively scheduled to begin in February.

The NBA G League announced on Friday that the 2021 season will take place in a bubble environment. The Warriors are one of 18 teams that will participate in the season at the Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that the current plan is for Mannion to join the team’s G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, in the bubble, but added that could change depending on the circumstances.

“We’ll make the decision when we get to that point but I know Nico, in particular, could really use a stretch of just playing 30-plus minutes every single night,” Kerr said. “He just hasn’t had a chance to play much. … I think it’s especially valuable for Nico and that would be the plan.”

Mannion, who was the 48th overall pick, is signed to a two-way contract and would normally split his time between the NBA and G League. However, the start of the G League season has been delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic so players like Mannion have missed out on a valuable opportunity to develop.

Players signed to two-way contracts typically can spend up to 45 days in the NBA but the league is permitting those players the opportunity to play in 50 games this season. The pandemic has caused teams to change up development plans, something the Warriors are adapting to on the fly.

“It definitely hurts our development program, just like it hurts everybody’s [plans],” Kerr said. “If this were a normal season then Nico would go down to Santa Cruz and play in a game and maybe play 30-plus minutes and then be active here for us the next night at a Warriors home game. So, it’s just a completely different vibe. We have to change the development plan, which means Nico’s doing a ton of work pre- and post-practice with our development staff. He is doing a fantastic job.”

The NBA G League game and broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date, but it was reported the regular season will tip off on Feb. 8. The top eight teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff, set to run March 5-9.

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Warriors activate rookie Nico Mannion vs. Kings for first NBA game

For the first time in his young NBA career, Golden State Warriors 2020 second-round pick Nico Mannion will be activated for a tilt against the Kings.

Following Steph Curry’s career-high 62 point performance on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors will have a new face in the backcourt rotation for the second leg of a back-to-back.

After missing the first six games of the season, the Warriors will activate rookie two-way guard Nico Mannion against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. With two-way contract players limited to 50 games, the Warriors will deactivate Juan Toscano-Anderson against the Kings.

Through six games, Toscano-Anderson started two games, averaging 3.2 points on 77.8% shooting from the field with 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 15 minutes per contest.

In November, the Golden State Warriors selected Mannion out of Arizona with the No. 48 overall selection in the 2020 NBA draft. In Tucson, Mannion averaged 14 points on 39.2% shooting from the field with 5.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 32 games.

Mannion will slide into Golden State’s backcourt behind Curry with Brad Wanamaker, Jordan Poole, Damion Lee, Mychal Mulder and Kent Bazemore.

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Nico Mannion rejected a couple of teams to land with Warriors

Mannion reportedly drew interest from a couple of other teams early in the second round but rejected them to land with the Warriors.

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When Nico Mannion fell to the Golden State Warriors at 48, many didn’t expect the Arizona Wildcats guard to drop that low. However, it turned out that was part of the plan all along.

Mannion reportedly drew interest from a couple of other teams early in the second round but rejected them in order to land with the Warriors, according to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle. Then, last week, Mannion signed a two-way contract with Golden State.

The Warriors were likely appealing to Mannion because of the roster makeup and ability to play meaningful minutes. Additionally, he previously played at Stephen Curry’s elite camp and will also play under fellow Wildcats alum Steve Kerr.

Players choosing to bypass specific teams isn’t uncommon. Oftentimes, they will elect to go undrafted to have the ability to sign with a team that will best fit their needs and development while others prefer to join a team they can play for.

Certainly, Mannion believed the Warriors were the best place for him.

The 19-year-old earned All-Pac 12 Second Team honors last season after averaging 14 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals. His stock took a bit of a hit after an inconsistent showing in conference play but he could have a bright future with further development.

Under normal circumstances, Mannion would spend most of the season in the NBA G League on his two-way contract. However, given the uncertainty with the G League season amid the coronavirus pandemic, that could change this season.

The Warriors’ selection of Mannion earned praise from Hall of Famer Chris Mullin as he believes Mannion could eventually earn backup minutes within the rotation. Mullin likes his toughness and ball-handling and that was likely what drew the organization’s attention to Mannion.

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Warriors sign second-round pick Nico Mannion to two-way contract

After picking Nico Mannion at No. 48 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Warriors are signing the Arizona product to a two-way contract.

Before the team returns to the Bay Area for the start of preseason training camp, the Golden State Warriors are handling the last offseason orders of business.

After drafting Arizona product Nico Mannion with the No. 48 overall selection in the 2020 NBA draft, the Warriors are signing the second-round pick to a two-way contract. Over his first season in the NBA, the 19-year-old guard will spend time between Chase Center in San Francisco and Golden State’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.

Two-way contract players can spend up to 50 games with their NBA club. Unlike years of the past, travel and practice will not count as active days for service time on two-way deals.

With a bevy of injuries last season, the Warriors relied on two-way contract players like Damion Lee, Ky Bowman and Marquese Chriss.

Via @WarriorsPR on Twitter:

During his freshman season at Arizona, the 6-foot-3 point guard averaged 14.0 points on 39.2% shooting from the field with 5.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 32 games. On 5.1 long-distance attempts per game, Mannion averaged 32.7% shooting from beyond the arc.

When training camp kicks off, the former five-star recruit will likely compete for minutes behind Steph Curry in Golden State’s backcourt with Jordan Poole, Lee and newly signed free agent Brad Wanamaker.

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Report: Warriors to sign Nico Mannion to two-way contract

Golden State will reportedly sign second-round pick, and former Arizona Wildcats guard, Nico Mannion to a two-way contract.

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The Golden State Warriors will reportedly sign second-round pick, and former Arizona Wildcats guard, Nico Mannion to a two-way contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Mannion, the 48th overall pick, was considered by some to be a steal by the Warriors since he can potentially become a regular contributor next season. He was one of the biggest surprises of the NBA draft after falling to the Warriors and will now have an opportunity to develop within the organization next season.

The 19-year-old earned All-Pac 12 Second Team honors last season after averaging 14 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He also posted the second-best assist percentage (31.5) among all high-major freshmen. His stock took a bit of a hit after an inconsistent showing in conference play but he could have a bright future with further development.

The Warriors’ selection of Mannion earned praise from Hall of Famer Chris Mullin as he believes Mannion could eventually earn backup minutes within the rotation. Mullin likes his toughness and ball-handling and that was likely what drew the organization’s attention to Mannion.

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Chris Mullin thinks Warriors drafting Nico Mannion was a ‘great pick’

The Hall of Famer believes Mannion could play backup minutes as soon as next season with the Warriors.

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Arizona guard Nico Mannion entered the NBA draft projected to be an early second-round pick but the 19-year-old falling to the Golden State Warriors with the 48th overall pick likely would have been hard to envision happening on Wednesday.

The Warriors nabbing him that late firmly has Mannion as a potential steal candidate since some believe he can potentially become a regular contributor next season. The pick earned the stamp of approval from Hall of Famer, and Warriors legend, Chris Mullin, according to Drew Shiller of NBC Sports Bay Area.

I was impressed with him. Ball-handling, toughness, driving to the basket. His shot selection (is important). He took some contested shots. He’s a much better shooter than his numbers show. Tough kid, athletic … I’ve seen some clips of him in the gym. If you have talent and you work hard, you’ll get better. All indications are that’s what he’s all about. He’s a gym rat. I think he’ll be able to play some backup minutes. I really do. I think it’s a great pick.

Mannion earned Second Team All-Pac 12 honors last season after averaging 14 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He also posted the second-best assist percentage (31.5) among all high-major freshmen. His stock took a bit of a hit after an inconsistent showing in conference play but he could have a bright future with further development.

Mannion falling that low was perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the second round but if he can play backup minutes, the Warriors may have found something with him. The value of second-round contracts is significantly lower than first-rounders and that could help the Warriors immensely in cap space.

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Warriors select Arizona’s Nico Mannion with No. 48 overall pick in 2020 NBA draft

With the No. 48 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Arizona guard Nico Mannion in the second round.

After landing Memphis big man James Wiseman with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, the Golden State Warriors turned their attention to the second round.

Following moves at last season’s trade deadline that involved Glenn Robinson III, Alec Burks and Willie Cauley-Stein, the Warriors picked up a pair of picks in the second round of the 2020 draft.

With their first pick in the second round, the Golden State Warriors selected Arizona’s Nico Mannion at No. 48 overall.

Via @warriors on Twitter:

In his freshman season at Arizona, the Italian-born point guard averaged 14.0 points on 39.2% shooting from the field with 5.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 32 games.

Following the pick, Steve Kerr chimed in on Twitter with a reaction to his fellow Arizona alum landing in the Bay Area.

Via @SteveKerr on Twitter:

The former McDonald’s All-American is a crafty passer that could thrive with shooters around him in Kerr’s offense. Mannion has the talent to hit a smooth floater in the lane and knock down a tough jumper off the dribble. As he develops his shooting ability behind Stephen Curry, Mannion could slide in as a playmaking point guard in Golden State’s second unit.

In Rookie Wire’s final draft big board, the Arizona Wildcats product landed at No. 42 overall.

Via Rookie Wire:

Arizona’s Nico Mannion had the second-best assist percentage (31.5%) among all high-major freshmen. But he shot just (26.0%) from 3-point range during his 19 games against top-100 competition. He was only 37.7% from 2-point range in February, raising concerns about his ability to score in the NBA.

As a high school player for Pinnacle in Arizona, Mannion was in the field for Curry’s SC30 Select Camp. 

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Mannion’s former camp leader congratulated the new Golden State rookie with a message on Twitter. 

Via @StephenCurry30 on Twitter:

Golden State drafted Mannion’s father, Pace Mannion in the second round of the 1983 draft. The former Utah Ute played one season with the Warriors, averaging 2.1 points on 39.7% shooting from the field in 8.2 minutes per contest. After his stint in the Bay Area, Pace Mannion went on to play six seasons in the association.

Via @ESPNStatsInfo on Twitter:

With Jordan Poole, Ky Bowman and Damion Lee on the depth chart, Mannion provides Golden State another point guard to develop behind their two-time Most Valuable Player.

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Warriors add burst of athleticism and needed depth in the NBA Wire two-round mock draft

After landing James Wiseman in the first round, the Warriors added Nico Mannion and Lamar Stevens in round two of the NBA Wire mock draft.

With the long-awaited NBA draft just days away, the editors and writers at USA TODAY’s SMG Network joined forces for a full two-round mock draft.

Each editor split up to take over as general managers for different teams on the draft big board.

While trade offers were available, the Warriors Wire team decided to stay on the clock and make the pick at No. 2 overall. With Georgia’s Anthony Edwards off the board to the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 1, the Golden State Warriors landed Memphis center James Wiseman with the second pick in the draft.

Although intriguing prospects like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Deni Avdija and Devin Vassell were on the board, the Memphis big man checked off a myriad of boxes for Golden State’s draft needs. While providing a boost of athleticism and size to the rotation, Wiseman could serve as a potential foundational piece for Golden State’s future.

Via Rookie Wire:

While there’s no doubt they will explore moving the pick for an established veteran, one prospect still gives Golden State a win-now threat with a building block for the future. James Wiseman with the No. 2 overall pick fills a positional need in the frontcourt while providing a much-needed jolt of athleticism to Kerr’s rotation.

After Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee and Andrew Bogut primarily roamed the center position during the Curry era, Wiseman provides a new dynamic to Golden State’s roster. As the 19-year-old continues to develop his jumper and build experience, Wiseman could immediately serve as a devastating lob threat in Kerr’s up-tempo offense and a rim protector behind Green on the defensive end.

If the former McDonald’s All-American lives up to his pre-draft hype, Wiseman could be the centerpiece of Golden State’s bridge between their veteran-championship core and the future.

Forty-six picks later, Warriors Wire was back on the clock with Golden State’s first second-round pick. While it’s likely Myers and Kerr target potential stash pieces, prospects like Abdoulaye N’Doye and Leandro Bolmaro were off the board at No. 48.

Instead of a stash, Warriors Wire selected a former five-star recruit in the second round. Arizona’s Nico Mannion could provide depth at point guard while learning from Curry.

Although Jordan Poole showed glimpses of potential in a playmaking point guard role for Golden State last season, the Warriors could still use another piece to develop behind Stephen Curry. With shooters around him, Nico Mannion could show off his impressive passing arsenal in Steve Kerr’s offense.

Similar to Golden State’s past picks like Draymond Green and Eric Paschall, Warriors Wire opted for an established college veteran with their final pick in the 2020 draft. At No. 51 overall, Penn State’s Lamar Stevens lands in the Bay Area.

The Warriors have had success when drafting experienced college players in the past with Draymond Green and Eric Paschall. After averaging double-figures in scoring in all four of his seasons in Happy Valley, Lamar Stevens fits Golden State’s profile for a second-round pick.

View the complete NBA Wire mock draft here.

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