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2018 NBA Mock Draft: A full first round following National Championship Game

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Joshua Langford #1 during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Joshua Langford #1 during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

66. . Small Forward. Michigan State Spartans. Miles Bridges. 15. player

Age: 19 (3/21/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 225 pounds, 6’9″
Slash Line: .463/.369/.883
Season Averages: 31.2 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 2.0 3PM

The Phoenix Suns should package the No. 15 and No. 16 overall selections, and trade into the top-10. With Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker already on the roster, the Suns could find a legitimate third star in that scenario.

In the event that the Suns keep the No. 15 and No. 16 overall selections, however, there would be no excuse for not selecting the best player available.

I seriously considered Miles Bridges to the New York Knicks, but ultimately decided against it. Bridges was an option at every pick that followed, but he ultimately lands with a Suns team that simply needs talent—and can’t be especially picky beyond the 2 and 5-spots.

T.J. Warren has established himself as a high-quality scorer at small forward, but Bridges has the two-way potential that Phoenix needs.

While Warren is a penetrating scorer, Bridges is a more well-rounded contributor who can space the floor or attack in isolation. He’s also an athletic finisher and a versatile defender, which are two traits that Phoenix should be champing at the bit to acquire.

There may be other options here, but athleticism, defense, and shooting along the wings should be top priorities for the Suns at the 2018 NBA Draft.

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