The New York Knicks hosted Mikal Bridges for a pre-draft workout. He believes he’d fit perfectly with Kristaps Porzingis and the Frank Ntilikina.
The New York Knicks have built the foundation of the franchise around power forward Kristaps Porzingis and point guard Frank Ntilikina. They’ve already developed into a dominant defensive duo in the limited time they’ve spent together.
As the Knicks search for ways to complement their European connection, they’ve identified a potential 2018 NBA Draft target: Mikal Bridges.
Bridges pieced together a wildly successful three-year run with the Villanova Wildcats. He helped Villanova win two national championships, and earned the status of a potential top-10 draft pick with a skill set that impeccably suits the modern NBA.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Bridges believes that he’d fit well with Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina.
"“I [fit] really well,” Bridges said. “The length with Porzingis and Frank [Ntilikina]. Defense, there is length on the ball. I [can] create space for [Porzingis] in iso. They can’t lay off me, so it’s an easy way to the basket.”"
It’s hard to disagree with anything that Bridges stated, as it’s the perfect summary of his individual game and how he’d fit in New York.
With Bridges, Ntilikina, and Porzingis, the Knicks would have three players who boast wingspans that reach 7’0″ or longer. That would be an incredible advantage on the defensive end of the floor, as New York could conceivably switch with relative ease.
In the modern NBA, the ability to do so would help the Knicks defend the pick and roll, and pick up three-point shooters with consistency.
As for what it is that Bridges brings to the table individually, he acknowledged his flaws, but believes that he’s more of a complete player than he’s given credit for.
"“Defense, of course, that’s where I take my pride,’’ Bridges said. “Shooting the ball. I shoot the ball really well and transition and finishing. That’s my top three. Ballhandling and playmaking, people say I need a lot of work. I know I do, but it’s better than people think.”"
Defense, three-point shooting, transition value, and finishing ability will go a long way towards creating a prosperous NBA career.
Bridges stands at 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan and adequate athleticism for a perimeter position. He’s a lights-out shooter who converted 104 three-point field goals on 43.5 percent shooting during his junior season.
With the foundation for 3-and-D value, and a better handle than advertised, Bridges could be the perfect fit at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
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The question is: Will the New York Knicks have the chance to draft the Villanova Wildcats star?