2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba

This is the guy Philly seems to want, and I definitely understand the logic. Bridges brings a ton of offensive versatility, and could potentially survive in the Sixers’ aggressive scheme given the right lineup pieces on defense.

The sophomore scored prolifically in college, but won’t be asked to do that in the NBA. Instead, he will be shoved off the ball, where his spot-up shooting will become his primary scoring vehicle. That comes in handy for the Sixers with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid soaking up so many offensive possessions. What really takes this fit to another level is what happens when Simmons or Embiid sit. Bridges’ responsibility would ratchet up a few levels in those situations, and his play-making and shot creation skills would blossom.

It’s tough to gauge how efficient or effective he will be early in his career as he adjusts to that role, but I could see Bridges earning minutes as a backup initiator for Philly right away, and earning a larger role as his career developed. For now, the Sixers have appealing young answers at forward with Dario Saric and Robert Covington, but if guys become unhappy or decline in skill, Bridges is a good insurance policy to take out.