Knicks Draft: 3 guard options for the 27th pick

1) Option for the Knicks with the 27th pick: Nico Mannion, G, Arizona

A playmaking guard who can shoot from the perimeter, Arizona’s Nico Mannion could be a great fit for the Knicks with the 27th pick.

I can already hear Madison Square Garden PA announcer, Mike Walczewski, bringing back his Danilo Gallinari-inspired call every time Mannion sinks a three. Niccoooooo Mannion!

The 19-year-old from Siena, Italy was one of the top high school recruits in the country before committing to Arizona where he had a strong freshman season this past year. After averaging 14.0 points and 5.3 assists per game, he was named to the All-Pac-12 second team and All-Freshman team before declaring for the draft.

Whether Mannion falls to the 27th pick is up for debate. Some early mock drafts had him projected as high as a mid-first round selection, but others have him falling within range for the Knicks to scoop him up.

In search of a lead guard who can both score and create for others, the Knicks could use their 8th overall pick on frontcourt help, while finding their point guard with Mannion.

The Italian guard needs to prove that he can be more consistent with his shot after connecting on only 39.2 percent of his field goals at Arizona, including an unimpressive 32.7 percent from downtown. But if the Knicks find a way to draft him and use their new development staff to stabilize his shot, they would have a real steal.

The “Red Mamba” could quickly become a must-watch player next season.