Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
Villanova. Mikal Bridges. 10. player. 66. . Small Forward
The Phoenix Suns landed at the No. 10 pick in the 2018 draft via a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Suns traded the No. 16 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, along with a 2021 first round pick of the Miami Heat, to get the No. 10 pick. With the No. 10 pick, Mikal Bridges of Villanova was selected.
This was another great addition by the Suns. They need some help on the wing and Bridges will immediately provide that. Bridges is one of the most NBA ready prospects in this year’s draft class. While he may not have as high of a ceiling as some of the other wing players, he is a very good player.
Bridges is the prototypical 3-and-D player. He is an elite defender with near elite athleticism. His 3-point shot improved every season at Villanova, as he knocked down 43.5 percent of his 3-pointers this past season. That 3-point shooting will fit in well in Phoenix as a floor spacer for Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton.
The Suns greatly improved the talent on their roster with tonight’s draft. Bridges give them a player that is ready to contribute right away on the wing. He should see consistent minutes right off the bat and improve the team instantly.
A defensive pairing of Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges is going to be difficult for teams to navigate. A lineup of Booker, Jackson, Bridges, T.J. Warren and Ayton will be a lot of fun for Suns fans to watch.