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2018 Knicks Mock Draft: The impact of the David Fizdale hire

By Maxwell Ogden

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 11: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches during an all access practice on April 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 11: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches during an all access practice on April 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) plays some tough defense. During the Villanova Wildcats game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, MA.(Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) plays some tough defense. During the Villanova Wildcats game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, MA.(Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Upside Comparison: Otto Porter Jr.
Age: 21 (8/30/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 210 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .512/.435/.848
Season Averages: 32.0 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.6 3PM

If the New York Knicks decide that selecting a small forward is the better option, then Mikal Bridges becomes the pick. He should bottom out as a high-level three-and-D player in the NBA, and he has the work ethic to thrive far beyond that distinction.

For a Knicks team that desperately needs wings who can defend and shoot with efficiency, Bridges makes undeniable sense at No. 9 overall.

Bridges has a 6’7″ frame and a 7’2″ wingspan that should at least be disruptive at the next level. He can switch against the pick and roll, easily cover ground to run out on shooters, and lock down slashing scorers at all three perimeter positions.

Bridges will need time to adjust to the physicality of the game, but that’s something David Fizdale can work on with him at the next level.

Offensively, Bridges is an unselfish player who has experience playing in a motion offense. He’s a fearless three-point shooter with range beyond the NBA three-point line, with the combination of volume and efficiency to support the claim he can shoot the lights out.

Bridges has made drastic improvements to his handle, finishing ability, and court vision. He has a basement of an elite 3-and-D specialist and a ceiling of an All-NBA wing.

Just imagine Frank Ntilikina, Bridges, and Kristaps Porzingis anchoring the defense.

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