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NBA Draft Rumors: Knicks are intrigued by Mikal Bridges

By Maxwell Ogden

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 04: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats looks to pass against Desi Rodriguez #20 of the Seton Hall Pirates during the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on February 4, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Villanova defeated Seton Hall 92-76. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 04: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats looks to pass against Desi Rodriguez #20 of the Seton Hall Pirates during the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on February 4, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Villanova defeated Seton Hall 92-76. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are expected to select a small forward at the 2018 NBA Draft. Villanova Wildcats star Mikal Bridges has surfaced as an early option.

The New York Knicks have built a roster with intriguing talent, but a glaring void has consistently surfaced as a cause for concern. Despite New York’s intriguing low-high balance, its lack of a two-way wing has hindered its ability to develop a consistent game plan on either end of the floor.

The Knicks have attempted to address that flaw by signing Troy Williams to a 10-day contract, but the long-term focus remains on the 2018 NBA Draft.

New York is on pace to have a first-round draft pick during an even year for the first time since 2008. It would have the ninth-best lottery odds if the season ended today, which could prevent it from securing the top-five draft pick that so many covet.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks aren’t allowing that possibility to deter it from scouting the most highly-regarded wing defender in this draft class: Mikal Bridges.

"To that end, New York, like most other teams, has already sent personnel to scout top point guard prospect Luka Doncic, according to sources. Some in the organization are also high on Michigan State forward Miles Bridges and Villanova wing Mikal Bridges, sources say."

That’s a quality list of prospects to be studying and evaluating, but the Villanova Wildcats star could be the steal of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Bridges doesn’t have the most advanced offensive game, but he’s generally regarded as the best perimeter defender in this draft class. Standing at 6’7″ and 210 pounds with a 7’1.5″ wingspan, Bridges has elite size and length for a shooting guard and a prototypical frame for a small forward.

Bridges would need to bulk up in order to play full-time at the 3-spot, but his length and athleticism would be invaluable traits in the NBA.

As for his offensive game, Bridges is one of the best three-point shooters in this draft class—another reason for the Knicks to be intrigued.

Bridges is currently averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 2.3 three-point field goals made per game. He’s doing so on a slash line of .498/.411/.830, and is committing a mere 1.4 turnovers per contest.

Considering New York ranks dead last in the NBA in three-point field goals made per game (7.8) and No. 24 in three-point field goals allowed per contest (11.1), Bridges is more than an ideal target.

He could be the perfect fit.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft: The Top 5 shooting guards as of the All-Star Break

The question is: Will Mikal Bridges continue to establish himself as a prospect for the New York Knicks to consider at the 2018 NBA Draft?

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