NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the New York Knicks

GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges /

3. Mikal Bridges, F, Villanova

Entering the draft as a junior, Mikal Bridges presents a special case in this draft class. He’s a two-time collegiate champ with Villanova, which can be shone in a positive light (he’s a winner) or spun negatively (he’s old). His two extra years of college compared to most of the other lottery-projected players means he’s more ready to come in and contribute right away. It also means he’s closer to his developmental ceiling.

Bridges’ game already fits in the contemporary NBA. Half of his shot attempts this past season came from behind the arc and he made 43.5 percent of them. As a 6-foot-7 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, he fills the 3-and-D mold to a T.

The only knock on Bridges – if you can even call it one – is that he’s more side dish than main course. But having great role players elevates mediocre teams into the playoffs and star-studded contenders into championship hopefuls. At the nine pick, you can do a lot worse than drafting the pancetta-roasted Brussels sprouts to accompany your filet mignon.

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