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2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Early June projections for both rounds

By Maxwell Ogden

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats shoots the ball against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats shoots the ball against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

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 you’re confusing realistic with disappointing, then you’re in the wrong. The New York Knicks would be blessed to select Mikal Bridges at No. 9 overall, as he fits what the franchise needs on all four levels: Offense, defense, culture, and long-term potential.

Thus, while writers and analysts may have differing opinions about Bridges, he remains the ideal selection for the Knicks at No. 9.

New York has two primary weaknesses on the court: Three-point shooting and perimeter defense. Those are the two areas in which Bridges specializes, as he’s a lights-out shooter who also utilizes his 7’2″ wingspan, instincts, and footwork to defend multiple positions.

Knicks fans likely want more than a 3-and-D wing, but Bridges’ ability to provide potentially elite contributions in both regards shouldn’t be overlooked.

Furthermore, Bridges is the type of player who can change the culture as a player who leads by example. He’d reinforce the desire to make defense the top priority, as well as bring a strong work ethic to a locker room that will learn to trust his leadership.

Bridges may not be the flashy pick, but he has a combination of size, length, shooting ability, and intangibles that one rarely finds in the NBA Draft.

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