2018 NBA Mock Draft: Mohamed Bamba could be the Suns’ last building block
G/F. Villanova. Mikal Bridges. 9. player. 93.
Philadelphia needs to cash in with this, its final big-time asset from the Sam Hinkie days, and Bridges would be a tremendous guy to get with the pick.
He checks all the boxes for the Sixers, who need to continue to fill out their bench as they aim for a big-time leap in the next year or two. Free agency will be their main avenue to improving the roster, but at some point they will need to start making decisions about locking up their young stars long-term (as they have already done for Joel Embiid) and the need for young rotation pieces will crop up once more.
Bridges knows how to get better in the background. He redshirted his freshman season at Villanova, played just 15 minutes in their national title victory over North Carolina two years ago, and finally grasped the spotlight in his junior season. He easily switches between high- and low-usage roles for the Wildcats, who rely on other guys most nights.
In the NBA, Bridges will be able to focus on defense and shooting. It will help a team like Philadelphia to bring him in and define his role.