New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft prospects to watch in Final Four

2 of 11

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 25: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates with teammates after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 71-59 in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional to advance to the 2018 Final Four at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Projection: Top 10
Age: 21 (8/30/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 210 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .512/.436/.848
Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 17.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.6 3PM

Mikal Bridges will be the No. 1 prospect for the New York Knicks to consider come the 2018 NBA Draft. There’s a growing possibility that he won’t be available at No. 9 overall, but if he is, Bridges will be near the top of the list of preferred prospects.

An exceptional on-ball defender with a massive wingspan, an elite three-point shot, and the ability to create for himself and others, Bridges is a star on the rise.

Standing at 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, it stands to reason that Bridges can comfortably guard every position from 2 to stretch 4. How his body fills out will go a long way towards determining his versatility, but he has the size, length, and athleticism to play the part.

Bridges has even proven capable of defending smaller guards who run point, and switching on to small-ball centers with reasonable success.

Offensively, Bridges has an outstanding jump shot and a quick release that he isn’t afraid to set off. He’s improved tremendously in isolation, with the developing ability to attack a set defense and finish ambidextrously at the rim.

Bridges has garnered comparisons to San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard as a late bloomer with the drive for greatness. That’s all you need to know.

Home/Knicks Draft