NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 14: Markelle Fultz is still no. 1

This pick goes to the Denver Nuggets from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Villanova’s Mikal Bridges is a fascinating first round sleeper who may not actually enter the draft this season. If he does, though, it seems totally possible that he plays his way into the first round discussion because of his size and shooting ability. As a low usage offensive player, Bridges projects as a 3-and-D wing who can guard multiple positions.

At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he has tremendous size for the position and with added strength, he’ll be able to handle the physical rigors of the NBA. Bridges has been very productive defensively in terms of statistical output, averaging 2.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per 40 minutes in two seasons with the Wildcats. He’s a little stiff in his movements, but he’s shown he can lock down opposing players and is very switchable in Villanova’s scheme.

On offense, Bridges has used just 15.6 percent of the Wildcats’ possessions this season. He’s a really good slasher and a developing 3-point shooter who has made 36.1 percent of his career 3-point attempts while shooting 83.5 percent from the free throw line. For Bridges to make it in the NBA, he needs his outside shooting numbers to be closer to his sophomore season (42.0 percent) than his freshman one (29.0 percent). Right now, the sophomore relies on teammates to break down the defense for him so that he can attack with cuts, straight line drives or catch-and-shoot jumpers.

In Denver, Bridges will add to the teams depth at the wing where you can never have too many players given their importance in the modern NBA.