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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Mikal Bridges, the veteran leader

By Philip Rossman-Reich

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 29: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats during a game against the Penn Quakers at The Palestra on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania on November 29, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Villanova defeated Penn 82-57. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 29: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats during a game against the Penn Quakers at The Palestra on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania on November 29, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Villanova defeated Penn 82-57. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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Draft Sites Say

Jonathan Givony, ESPN

"Bridges is an easy player to slot on almost any NBA roster, thanks to his multipositional defensive versatility, 3-point shooting and role-player potential. He isn’t as gifted a shot creator as you’d like from a top-10 pick, but on this roster, he won’t need to be."

Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer

"Unselfish team player who keeps the ball moving and plays within himself. Competitive, experienced defender who has the speed to contain guards and length to handle wings. Effective catch-and-shooter with NBA range; flashes the body control necessary to develop into a shooter off screens. . . . Lanky upper and lower body may put a cap on his defensive versatility — can he defend larger forwards? Lacks crafty ball-handling moves and is a subpar shooter off the bounce. Has improved every year in college as a shooter, but may struggle in the NBA due to the hitch in his shot."

Cole Zwicker, The Stepien

"Bridges is mostly viewed as a high floor, low ceiling prospect, but his improvement this season as a shooter adding diversity to his shot and developing extreme confidence gives him avenues to higher offensive upside. It’s not unfathomable that Bridges develops into a Khris Middleton type offensive player with the ability to shoot over the top of defenders on pull-ups and operating off screens, but with better defense (and hopefully better shot selection). Every team in the league can use a player like that. Bridges’ development in college, primarily offensively, has been noticeable, and it’s possible he continues to develop at a higher rate than what we typically see from older players. Bridges’ very conducive fit on any roster with valuable two-way ability gives him a safe floor to value, and his shooting progression to potentially sub-elite level could render him one of the most valuable star role player types to enter the draft in some time."

Aran Smith, NBADraft.net

"Prototypical 3-and-D wing for the next level … 6-7 guard/forward with elite length, athleticism and skill set … Has evolved from being a defensive standout to one of the best outside shooters and wings on the college level . . . The biggest knock on Bridges is his lack of strength. Not an overly physical player … His 2.8 FTs made on 3.4 attempts show that he doesn’t attack the rim and get to the line a great deal. His FTA/FGA ratio is below 30% at 28.0%."