2018 NBA Mock Draft: The standings are set
8. player. 24. . G/F. Villanova. Mikal Bridges
On my personal board, Bridges is fifth, behind Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Deandre Ayton and Jaren Jackson Jr. NBA teams sign journeymen, international question marks and unproven youngsters to deals each February and March trying to find the perfect young wing to turn into the next Trevor Ariza.
Bridges will enter the NBA with that package already the core of his game. He will be one of the more consistent and valuable rookies next season, thanks to his ability to nail difficult 3s efficiently and on a high volume. He can defend four positions, and earned gratuitous comparisons to the likes of Shane Battier and Ariza himself all year. There’s a real NBA player about an inch below the surface of Bridges’ skin, waiting to jump out and surprise us.
As Chicago continues its rebuild, it needs to replace veteran minutes on the wing for Justin Holiday and Quincy Pondexter with developmental minutes for young players. Plus, they need talent.
Taking a 3-and-D prospect like Bridges isn’t simply about his high floor. It’s about acquiring talent and making it fit. Chicago could get a steal this late.