The Tokyo Olympics got off to a terrible start for one member of the Golden State Warriors, with Team USA and forward Draymond Green losing to France to open the games. But another Warrior, guard Nico Mannion, enjoyed success his first time on the Olympic floor with the Italian basketball team.
He contributed nicely to Team Italy’s win against Germany, supplying 10 points and seven assists.
Here are some highlights of Golden State’s soon to be second-year point guard, courtesy of Warriors Reddit.
This experience is priceless for Mannion, who must prove he’s worthy of being part of Golden State’s plans moving forward. With possibly two rookie lottery picks on the team next season, Mannion will have competition, especially with most NBA Mock Drafts selecting guards and wing players for the Warriors.
Most encouraging in Mannion’s Olympic debut was his assist to turnover ratio. That’s a skill any team can use, with backup point guard a necessary role on every team. Moving forward in Tokyo, Mannion can also work on his defense, which was sorely lacking last season and ran him off the floor at times.
But he’s definitely an NBA talent. He’s young and improving, and with the Olympics coming at a perfect time for the young man, Mannion is taking full advantage thus far.
Bay Area Sports Hub 