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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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Mikal Bridges, Villanova Wildcats, Seton Hall Pirates
Mikal Bridges, Villanova Wildcats, Seton Hall Pirates /

Final Word

Mikal Bridges is a solid player. That is what stands out most about him. He can hit 3-pointers and open jumpers and attack in straight line drives. He uses his length and athleticism well around the basket in transition too.

Bridges also uses that length well defensively. He was a strong defender for Villanova, often guarding the best perimeter player on the other team.

That slotted him as whatever the Wildcats needed him that year. And it makes him someone who projects as a contributor at the NBA level. Bridges fits in and stars in whatever role he needed.

The scoring output likely will not be as great when he reaches the NBA level. He is not an on-the-ball potential All-Star. He does not have much of an isolation game. It was one of his frustrations during his stellar junior year. Bridges never took over games. He just got hot from beyond the arc.

Bridges will find a role in the NBA because he can do the simplest things really well. He can hit open 3-pointers and defend at a NBA level. There is a role for that kind of player on every team.

But in the NBA Draft, teams are looking for different things. The Orlando Magic are looking for something a bit more. They need a player who can transcend his position a bit and help drive the team forward. The Cleveland Cavaliers (8th pick) or Philadelphia 76ers (10th pick) probably need the role player Bridges will surely be.

That is part of the weight that comes with selecting Bridges. But he will be good. He is a more fully formed player than many of the freshmen. If he can extend to NBA 3-point range, he will provide a major immediate impact to whatever team he comes to.

Next: NBA Draft Preview: Who is Jarred Vanderbilt

Just do not expect too much.