Mikal Bridges

[Kolkmania]

I don't think comparisons like Middleton are realistic, because it's severely downplaying the jump from a serviceable 3/D option to a legit shot maker like Middleton. Middleton is a near 20 point scorer, averages 4 assists per game as well. I can't see Mikal ever reaching those heights offensively.

That said, Bridges should be the more dynamic defensive presence, he's really versatile and more of a game changer.

Agree, but must be said that Middleton wasn't a capable shot maker in college as well. His USG% and AST% were higher than Bridges numbers this season, but his efficiency was incredibly poor.

Question is whether Bridges can shoot a decent percentage while increasing his usage rate. Think that his ball handling holds him back in that aspect at this point, which is something most guys improve at throughout the years. One thing that benefits Mikal in this aspect is that teams will play him heavy minutes regardless of his shot creation, he'll get minutes due to his incredible defense.

There have been plenty of prospects who were big playmakers in college and slowly transitioned from a low usage role to a star in the NBA like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Khris Middleton. Has there ever been a 3&D prospect in college who became a playmaker/star in the NBA?

[Mulhollanddrive]

The 6-10 range is really open this draft so could see Bridges sneaking in there as long as his scoring remains at this level.

[draftbarnes]

Has career high in points tonight. His defense is legit. Killing it vs the Zags. Love him as as a player

[TheSuzerain]

I feel like he should be nipping on the heels of the elite centers given the marginalization of bigs compared to versatile wings.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Main issue is that he's only taken 5 2PA so his shot creation is still a question mark.

But everything else was there tonight.

A team like Memphis could pick him top 8 if they keep with their core.

[jonjames]

Impressive tonight..who is good comparison?

[Mulhollanddrive]

Porter / Ariza?

[draftbarnes]

Otto porter is intersting

[PLO]

A young, longer Iguodala

[nolang1]

I feel like he should be nipping on the heels of the elite centers given the marginalization of bigs compared to versatile wings.

Yeah definitely a chance at cracking the top 5. I mean, he could end up with the highest single-season BPM since they started tracking it for college basketball.

[916fan]

I'm at a crossroads with Bridges on where to rank him. I've always favored higher ceiling plays over the lower guys. Then we got Kyle Kuzma who's absolutely lighting it up while most of the lotto picks have been underwhelming.

I think Bridges has a real shot at top 5 if he keeps this performance up. He's not going to be a franchise player, but he has the potential to be a good starter. He can come in and immediately play as a 3&D player. He did a great job vs. Gonzaga

[RipCity71252]

Shane Battier w/ less positional versatility but better finishing feels like his top end outcome.

[clyde21]

Is he a better prospect than Miles?

[Catchall]

I see some Khris Middleton with a little more aggression driving the ball. He's not as creative and versatile as Otto Porter. He's still mostly 3 & D.

[Catchall]

Is he a better prospect than Miles?

Not quite the same caliber athlete. Mikal may have a higher floor and a lower ceiling than Miles.

[Kolkmania]

Is he a better prospect than Miles?

Not quite the same caliber athlete. Mikal may have a higher floor and a lower ceiling than Miles.

Define athlete, don't think that max vertical is directly related to a prospects floor/ceiling. Mikal is for sure better laterally and has an advantage with his wingspan, Miles has better lower body strength.

[Ruzious]

Shane Battier w/ less positional versatility but better finishing feels like his top end outcome.

Remember, guys like Battier and Otto Porter - while good - were/are 3rd/4th/5th scoring options on their teams. I expect Bridges will eventually be more of a second option - he's more explosive to go along with the excellent jump shot. One thing he needs to do to reach that level is add some strength. That's where Miles has the advantage over Mikal. On the question of Mikal vs Miles... I want both on my team. At this point, I can't choose. Mikal was eye-popping amazing at both ends last night, but Miles has more of an NBA body.

[No-Man]

I think Miles is also the better or more dynamic shooter even with Mikal awesome returns so far this year.

Neither can create much and both are great in transition, little different defensive profiles but both good, Mikal likely very good.

[The-Power]

Watch on YouTube

Spoiler:

Will also upload some more defensive highlights of Bridges vs. Gonzaga soon. He's a joy to watch on that end and he deserves all the praise for his defense. I'm now upping my expectation to a Kawhi-like career trajectory*.

*seriously, he reminds me of him a lot of ways even though Kawhi's development has obviously been extraordinary

[blazeyo]

I think Miles is also the better or more dynamic shooter even with Mikal awesome returns so far this year.

Neither can create much and both are great in transition, little different defensive profiles but both good, Mikal likely very good.

How can you say Miles is the better shooter? Just makes zero sense.