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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 22: College basketball is over

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova won 88-57. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova won 88-57. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mikal Bridges

SG/SF, Villanova

Russell Westbrook may be a league leading MVP candidate after amassing 41 triple-doubles this season, but his supporting cast is a real struggle. Any talented player who can slot in and be of value will be a welcome addition in Oklahoma City. That’s where Villanova’s Mikal Bridges fits in. The sophomore is a 6-foot-7 wing who projects to be a 3-and-D player in the NBA.

Bridges has a 7-foot-1 wingspan that allows him to be a versatile defender. He needs to add additional strength for that translate to the NBA, but at worst he should be able to defend both wing spots and potentially point guards and small ball fours. Bridges’ size translates well into the box score as he’s averaged 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per 40 minutes in two seasons at Villanova.

Offensively, Bridges is more limited because he lacks the ability to create for others at this stage of his development. That said, he should be able to slot in pretty easily as a spot up shooter for the Thunder. Bridges made 39.3 percent of his 3s this season on over four attempts per 40 minutes while shooting better than 90 percent from the foul line. He’s also a willing and unselfish ball mover who should fit into an offense well even if he isn’t a primary scorer.