Mullin cites one key area Warriors pick Mannion can improve

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Nico Mannion last December was at No. 7 overall in ESPN's mock draft for the 2020 class.

In the end, the Warriors drafted the point guard out of the University of Arizona with the 48th pick.

Mannion on Feb. 6 racked up 20 points (12-for-18 free throws) and seven assists against the USC Trojans. NBC Sports Bay Area's Chris Mullin broadcasted that game, and provided the scouting report on the former McDonald's All-American during the latest episode of the "Dubs Talk" podcast with Grant Liffmann.

"I was impressed with him. Ball-handling, toughness, driving to the basket," the NBA Hall of Famer explained. "His shot selection (is important). He took some contested shots. He's a much better shooter than his numbers show."

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The 19-year-old shot just 39 percent overall and 32.7 percent from deep over 32 games for the Wildcats last season, but did make 80 percent of his free throws.

Mannion averaged 14.0 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

"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," Mullin added. "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 (this season). I really do. I think it's a great pick."

If Mannion enters the season on a two-way contract, he would spend some time with the G League's Santa Cruz Warriors and be available for a maximum of 50 of Golden State's 72 games.

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