New York Knicks: Top 16 2018 NBA Draft prospects in the Sweet 16

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats takes a shot against Donald Hicks #5 of the Radford Highlanders during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Projection: Top 10
Age: 21 (8/30/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 210 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .517/.442/.849
Season Averages: 32.2 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.7 3PM

If you read Daily Knicks on a consistent basis, then you likely know how high I am on Villanova Wildcats star Mikal Bridges. Bridges is the prospect whom I desperately want the New York Knicks to select, and his performances during the 2018 NCAA Tournament only support his case.

Bridges is the best three-point shooter and on-ball defender amongst the wings in this draft class, and has star potential beyond that 3-and-D role.

Bridges is a fearless three-point shooter with legitimate NBA range and a release that’s both high and quick. He can get his shot off over the average defender and has vastly improved his ability to take an opponent off the bounce with his handle.

Bridges is also an ambidextrous finisher at the rim, with the ability to adjust in the air and convert in traffic at a rather efficient rate.

Defensively, Bridges utilizes his prototypical size and gigantic wingspan to lock down players at both wing positions. He also has the athleticism to switch and defend point guards, and the length to hold his own against power forwards and undersized centers.

With a core of Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr., Mikal Bridges, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks would have the foundation for sustained success.

Bridges’ ultimate upside comparison: Kawhi Leonard.

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