Villanova forward Mikal Bridges has decided to forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility and enter this year’s draft, he tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
As Wojnarowski notes, Bridges is considered a probable lottery pick this year, and is viewed as one of the most talented two-way players in the 2018 class. A 6’7″ small forward, Bridges has the ability to defend multiple positions and to knock down three-pointers, making him an ideal NBA prospect on the wing.
“There’s space in the NBA on the floor, and there’s this move toward position-less basketball that I fit into,” Bridges told Wojnarowski. “I can shoot the ball. I can defend. I can move without the ball. I’m progressing in my game, getting better through work every day.”
Bridges took a major step forward during his junior year at Villanova, increasing his PPG from 9.8 in 2016/17 to 17.7 in 2017/18, en route to a second championship in three years. He also contributed 5.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.1 BPG for the Wildcats this season, with a very efficient shooting line of .514/.435/.851.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has Bridges coming off the board at No. 10 to the Sixers, though Givony observes that the 21-year-old’s versatility makes him “an easy player to slot on almost any NBA roster.”
I hope the my Bulls land him if both of the Bigs are off the board!
Yes this guy is a player. I love his beautiful stroke and he’s got a great NBA body. As he gets a little older he’ll get a little stronger but I think he’s ready to contribute pretty quickly.
I think the other Bridges guy from Michigan state will be a flop. Well maybe not a flop but he cannot shoot the Rock. Maybe like a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist type who does a lot of things well but can’t shoot a lick and a team shouldn’t spend a top-15 pick on him.
Sucks for the Sixers that he is rising! Can only hope to get #6 with the ping pongs. Would rather have Mikal thank Miles, tbh.
The only picks determined by the lottery this year are 1-3. Sixers can only get the 1st pick, due to protections or wherever the pick lands (probably 10). If it jumps to 2 or 3 the pick will convey to Boston and Philly will keep the Sacramento pick
I think a lot of fans want this guy on their teams. He looks like he will be an elite defender. I really would love to see the Knicks draft him.
Seems like he could easily play guard. He’s as can’t-miss as anyone as I think he will stay consistently healthy for games & active in them.
A Corey Brewer with game.