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2018 NBA Draft: 3-and-D wings to know before March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 16: Jacob Evans #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats plays defense on an inbound during a NCAA basketball game against the UCF Knights at the CFE Arena on January 16, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 16: Jacob Evans #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats plays defense on an inbound during a NCAA basketball game against the UCF Knights at the CFE Arena on January 16, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 17: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats handles the ball during a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on February 17, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Villanova won 95-79. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 17: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats handles the ball during a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center on February 17, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Villanova won 95-79. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Projection: Lottery
Age: 21 (8/30/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 210 pounds, 7’1.5″
Slash Line: .508/.418/.830
Season Averages: 32.2 MPG, 17.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.4 3PM

Any list of 3-and-D wings would be incomplete without projected lottery pick and Villanova Wildcats standout Mikal Bridges. Bridges is the best on-ball defender in this draft class, as well as a lights-out three-point shooter with limitless range.

Thus, if the New York Knicks are in the market for a two-way perimeter player, then Bridges has to be at the top of the list—even if it requires utilizing a top 10 pick.

If the Knicks are in the market for a franchise player, then Bridges may not be the most ideal target. The fact that he’s a safe target doesn’t mean he lacks upside, however, as Bridges has the tools to become a perennial All-Star.

Bridges will need to tighten his handle, but if he’s willing to focus on that aspect of his game, then he could become the complete package offensively.

As it stands, Bridges is a lockdown defender with the size, length, and athleticism to defend every position from 1 to 4. Offensively, he’s a remorseless three-point shooter with NBA range and the ability to finish with either hand at the rim.

Even if Bridges maxes out as a two-way player who can attack closeouts, space the floor, and defend multiple positions—seriously, must I say more?

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