The New York Knicks sent three high-ranking officials to the Excel agency Pro Day, where they scouted Villanova Wildcats star Mikal Bridges.
Of all the prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft, few have been as consistently linked to the New York Knicks as Villanova Wildcats star Mikal Bridges. A two-way wing who projects to be a high-level defender and a knockdown shooter, Bridges certainly fits what the Knicks are looking for.
While some have questioned whether or not the Knicks should question the ceiling of a junior wing, the Knicks have serious interest in the Villanova standout.
New York plans to select the best player available, but its need for two-way talent is undeniable. There’s a glaring absence of a defensive-minded wing defender, as well as a pressing need to improve the output from beyond the arc.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, three of the highest ranking officials in the organization were on hand for Excel agency’s Pro Day.
That event featured an intriguing prospect: Bridges.
From earlier: Knicks president Steve Mills, GM Scott Perry & director of scouting Kristian Petesic were at the Excel agency's Pro Day in NYC where Villanova's Mikal Bridges and other players who have signed with the agency are working out. More: https://t.co/bjnEmxeQVv
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 24, 2018
Begley went on to note that all 30 NBA teams had representation at the event, but the Knicks attended for the specific reason of scouting Bridges.
"All NBA teams likely have representation at the Excel Pro Day. But it’s potentially noteworthy that Mills, Perry and Petesic were on hand to watch Bridges and other Excel players because many in the organization see Bridges as a potential option for New York, which has the ninth overall selection in the draft."
Many in the Knicks community believe that New York should select Bridges at No. 9 overall, which makes this revelation quite significant.
In 2017-18, Bridges completed a college career that won’t soon be forgotten. He helped Villanova win the national championship in both 2016 and 2018, and was selected as an All-American during the 2017-18 season.
As far as his NBA projection is concerned, Bridges projects to be somewhere along the lines of an Otto Porter Jr. type of wing, albeit with an ambitious upside comparison.
Bridges has been compared to San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard for his two-way ability and relentless work ethic.
Standing at 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, Bridges projects to be an excellent defender at the 2-spot. As a committed defender who converted 43.5 percent of his three-point field goals in 2017-18, those physical gifts care complemented by a compelling skill set.
All things considered, Bridges checks the boxes for what the Knicks are hoping to find in a wing via the 2018 NBA Draft.
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There’s no guaranteeing that Mikal Bridges will be selected at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, but the New York Knicks have genuine interest.