2018 NBA Mock Draft: Time for the Final Four
27. . G/F. Villanova. Mikal Bridges. 9. player
Bridges has done his thing all tournament long, leading the Wildcats’ suffocating defense, which stymied Texas Tech in the second half Sunday, and spacing the floor. And Villanova has been fantastic, taking care of business when so few pre-tournament favorites have been able to.
For his efforts, the junior has earned the opportunity to take on the hottest scorer in the country, Malik Newman, who single-handedly beat Duke last weekend to send Kansas to its first Final Four in ten years. Newman has scored 87 points over four games, including 13-29 triples and the dribble drive that sent Wendell Carter Jr. to the in the final minutes against Duke. It will quietly be Bridges’ biggest test of the tournament, especially if Villanova’s guards are unable to contain Devonte’ Graham. It’s conceivable that Bridges could see time against the Kansas point guard as well.
With a top-ten pick all but locked in for Bridges, the Final Four could provide insight into intangibles that we like to test in high-pressure situations. Does Bridges take ownership of the team if they find themselves behind in a close game this weekend? Can he handle the Kansas 3-point brigade? He’s done it all season, but the bigger stage brings out different aspects in some players. Maybe we’ll see something.
The Knicks picking Bridges would double down on defense and give them a long-term piece on the wing.