How do you think Mikal Bridges would be in the backcourt next to Booker?

[bwgood77]

Just came across this thought on the Suns board....but also wanted the "experts" here to give their thoughts on if he could guard 1s and 2s....

My thoughts from the Suns board:

"If we think Doncic could play in the backcourt, why not Mikal Bridges? Think about him and Booker just being two interchangeable guards.

I mean this guy has ELITE shooting and ELITE defense and a good handle. The guy is 6'7 with a 7'2 wingspan who shoots 44.7% from 3, 56.8% from 2 (previous 2 years around 70% from 2) and has over a 64% TS%....all 3 college years.

Probably more immediately ready to contribute now than maybe anyone in the lottery."

Outstanding size, length (7-foot-2 wingspan) and dynamic speed and agility athleticism package for a wing.

Not an elite explosive leaper but finishes above the rim off one or two feet with ease aided by his length.

Knows who he is as a player and plays within his lane at Villanova as a 3&D slasher and cutter.

Ultra efficient slasher and finisher. Has underrated touch with either hand on the move and can finish off either Has always been a high-level finisher in college.

Long-strider as a slasher getting to the rim quickly and can finish off one foot without gathering with plus body control even showing the footwork to navigate around bodies.

Has enough handle to attack in straight line situations comfortably.

Shows awareness of time and space as a cutter.

Shot mechanics are a little rigid at the top of his release but looks capable off the catch and shows the preparatory footwork to catch on the hop in rhythm.

Shows some vision flashes as a passer and is an unselfish ball-mover.

Quick, light on his feet, and long defensively and really competes on-ball. Plays at the point of attack regularly for Villanova.

Has the speed to track faster players running off floppy sets and the length to contest on the perimeter and erase mistakes.

Aware team defender off-ball and is already well versed with switching communication in Villanova’s scheme.

https://www.thestepien.com/mikal-bridges/

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/mikal-bridges-1.html

[GimmeDat]

I think he's a really good fit, in the same way that Josh Jackson was a good fit. I envision both guys as 3's, so in that sense it's a bit of a double up. Of course Bridges more of a shooter, Jackson more of a dynamic swiss army knife type. Both guys capable of playing small ball 4 as well, so in theory you could run lineups with them together.

So yeah, he's a great compliment to Booker, but if you guys are in that 6-8 range, I'd prioritise getting Jackson Jr. or Bamba first, I think they're at a greater position of need and would have a similarly transformative effect on the Suns' defence.

[bwgood77]

I think he's a really good fit, in the same way that Josh Jackson was a good fit. I envision both guys as 3's, so in that sense it's a bit of a double up. Of course Bridges more of a shooter, Jackson more of a dynamic swiss army knife type. Both guys capable of playing small ball 4 as well, so in theory you could run lineups with them together.

So yeah, he's a great compliment to Booker, but if you guys are in that 6-8 range, I'd prioritise getting Jackson Jr. or Bamba first, I think they're at a greater position of need and would have a similarly transformative effect on the Suns' defence.

Yeah, I'd have the top 7 something like

Ayton/Doncic
Jackson Jr
Young

Carter
Bamba
Bagley (though Bridges might be a better fit given Bagley's 3 pt, FT shooting and defense)...with having bad long range shooters in JJ and Warren and being a bad defensive team, it would be tough to also have a 4 who can't shoot. Hard to drop him to 8 though.

But we desperately need another shooter at the 1/2 (especially if Jackson or Warren are at 3) and Booker can possibly be primary ball handler.

So in this scenario it might end up with something like:

Booker
Bridges
Jackson
Bender or Chriss
Chandler?/Williams/Gafford

Possibly get a cheap C in FA or hopefully Bender/Chriss fill out and become better rebounders and can play frontcourt but who knows.

Warren off bench maybe as sixth man scorer.

This is more of a scenario if fall to 8 or so. Not sure I'd rather have Sexton in the backcourt with Booker or a big like Robert Williams, but possibly.

I think we will finish in 4-7 range given having the 2nd toughest schedule left though...but we seem to always beat those bottom 5 or so teams by 1 or 2 and then they lose games to others by 1 or 2. Our record against good teams is really bad...except against Minnesota...I think we are like 5-23 against teams with winning records. Have yet to play the Warriors and play them 4 times (except two are in April so they may sit guys...not that it would probably matter).

[Rafly]

Suns would go from a team starting 2 point guards a couple of years ago to starting no true point guard. But yea I think Bridges would be a great fit next to Booker. He definitely can play the 2.

[bwgood77]

Suns would go from a team starting 2 point guards a couple of years ago to starting no true point guard. But yea I think Bridges would be a great fit next to Booker. He definitely can play the 2.

It's amazing that they had three point guards (actually 4 if you count Tyler Ennis in addition to IT/Dragic/Bledsoe) and now have really no point guards outside of Ulis.

However, teams began to game plan to just cut off passing lanes and hound Booker so it was tough to get him the ball so they started using him more as a PG as of late. The overall team ball movement has improved too, as Jackson and Bender are good passers.

Not to say I wouldn't love Trae Young next to him (outside of the horrendous backcourt D) or Doncic at the point (though D would be a problem there too).

I just don't know what PG options they have if they don't get one with their first pick unless they think one in the late lotto is starter worthy, but it doesn't seem so.

The team really needs more premier shooting threats (or at least one more) on the floor with Booker to draw gravity away. Young would obviously be perfect offensively. But Mikal Bridges is shooting it at insane rates and would be elite defensively.

[Mulhollanddrive]

He doesn't have enough ball handling or All-Star ceiling to justify our first pick.

If he reaches his ceiling he's Robert Covington who is an elite roleplayer but doesn't move Philadelphia to a contender.

[Kolkmania]

He doesn't have enough ball handling or All-Star ceiling to justify our first pick.

If he reaches his ceiling he's Robert Covington who is an elite roleplayer but doesn't move Philadelphia to a contender.

I agree that Mikal Bridges is unlikely to become an All-Star, but as a 21 year old he has better fundamentals on defense than Covington has at the moment (27 now) and I've watched 95% of Covington's minutes over the last three years.

The completely ineptness on the offensive end beside shooting threes is also far below the median outcome for Mikal Bridges.

I haven't seen as much from Devin Booker as the Suns fans obviously, but a Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges as 1-2 offers not enough playmaking for me, certainly not in the short term.

[The-Power]

How well he'd fit depends on what you envision Booker's role to be. Be sure: Mikal Bridges is not a shot creator or playmaker, not even a secondary one. Can Booker handle main ball handling duties full-time? I wouldn't risk betting on it. Unless Jackson makes huge leaps, a Booker-Bridges-Jackson 1-2-3 combo will struggle to create good looks at the NBA level. In other words: you should still look for a PG.

Other than that, Bridges is a good fit with anybody. Can guard 1-3, plays off the ball effectively, can shoot and run – I don't see any team where he wouldn't be valuable. But the team that drafts him should ideally be set with regards to their main creators and ball handlers.

Re: Too limited to justify a high pick. Well, that depends on where you picking and what your team has. Generally speaking, if you draft outside the top 5 you would be lucky to get an elite role player who can play starter minutes as the chances to get a star-level player who can actually put you into contention are decreasing considerably. Now, this draft is loaded at the top but after we get past the best six or so players I believe Mikal should be on any team's radar.

If the Suns draft outside the top 6, the ‘he's not good enough to make us a contender‘ argument doesn't fly anymore. Drafting an almost guaranteed-to-be-elite role player in that range would be great value. Shooting for the stars is not always the smartest way to go especially for a team that already has some talent on it. Bridges' ceiling is also definitely higher than Covington's and reaching his level wouldn't exactly be the worst outcome.

[PLO]

How well he'd fit depends on what you envision Booker's role to be. Be sure: Mikal Bridges is not a shot creator or playmaker, not even a secondary one. Can Booker handle main ball handling duties full-time? I wouldn't risk betting on it. Unless Jackson makes huge leaps, a Booker-Bridges-Jackson 1-2-3 combo will struggle to create good looks at the NBA level. In other words: you should still look for a PG.

Other than that, Bridges is a good fit with anybody. Can guard 1-3, plays off the ball effectively, can shoot and run – I don't see any team where he wouldn't be valuable. But the team that drafts him should ideally be set with regards to their main creators and ball handlers.

Re: Too limited to justify a high pick. Well, that depends on where you picking and what your team has. Generally speaking, if you draft outside the top 5 you would be lucky to get an elite role player who can play starter minutes as the chances to get a star-level player who can actually put you into contention are decreasing considerably. Now, this draft is loaded at the top but after we get past the best six or so players I believe Mikal should be on any team's radar.

If the Suns draft outside the top 6, the ‘he's not good enough to make us a contender‘ argument doesn't fly anymore. Drafting an almost guaranteed-to-be-elite role player in that range would be great value. Shooting for the stars is not always the smartest way to go especially for a team that already has some talent on it. Bridges' ceiling is also definitely higher than Covington's and reaching his level wouldn't exactly be the worst outcome.

I agree with several of your points - I think it really comes down to who is available when the Suns pick. If I were them I would have Trae Young/Doncic close to the top of their board just because of how those two players in particular would unlock the full offensive abilities of their roster, not to mention their own individual talent. If those two aren't available Ayton and Porter would be impossible to turn down. I'm not a fan of Bagley in terms of how he fits with that roster, I'd have Jaren Jackson ahead of him for the Suns. I'm also not a big fan of Bamba in terms of where people are rating him and would have Bridges ahead of him right now for just about anyone, especially given how deep this class is in terms of bigs.

Philosophically, as already mentioned, you really should be drafting your primary creator types first then once you have those locked in place go for the complimentary pieces like Bridges. I think you're asking too much of Bridges offensively to put him next to Booker, but admittedly he would really help Booker on the defensive end of the floor, but that would be two drafts in a row you've picked the same type of player in the first round. Thus, despite Sexton's pretty average passing, I'd pick him ahead of Bridges for the Suns - whereas for the 76ers picking Bridges over Sexton is a slam dunk if the Lakers pick transfers to us.

[HeadtopChunes]

I dont like it. Not enough playmaking. Neither Booker or Mikal are primary ball handlers. Jackson might become one but im not willing to bet on it

[bwgood77]

He doesn't have enough ball handling or All-Star ceiling to justify our first pick.

If he reaches his ceiling he's Robert Covington who is an elite roleplayer but doesn't move Philadelphia to a contender.

This was specific to landing at 8. Who would you prefer there given Doncic, Ayton, Young, Bamba, Jackson, Bagley and Porter are gone? Sexton I guess?

[bwgood77]

How well he'd fit depends on what you envision Booker's role to be. Be sure: Mikal Bridges is not a shot creator or playmaker, not even a secondary one. Can Booker handle main ball handling duties full-time? I wouldn't risk betting on it. Unless Jackson makes huge leaps, a Booker-Bridges-Jackson 1-2-3 combo will struggle to create good looks at the NBA level. In other words: you should still look for a PG.

Other than that, Bridges is a good fit with anybody. Can guard 1-3, plays off the ball effectively, can shoot and run – I don't see any team where he wouldn't be valuable. But the team that drafts him should ideally be set with regards to their main creators and ball handlers.

Re: Too limited to justify a high pick. Well, that depends on where you picking and what your team has. Generally speaking, if you draft outside the top 5 you would be lucky to get an elite role player who can play starter minutes as the chances to get a star-level player who can actually put you into contention are decreasing considerably. Now, this draft is loaded at the top but after we get past the best six or so players I believe Mikal should be on any team's radar.

If the Suns draft outside the top 6, the ‘he's not good enough to make us a contender‘ argument doesn't fly anymore. Drafting an almost guaranteed-to-be-elite role player in that range would be great value. Shooting for the stars is not always the smartest way to go especially for a team that already has some talent on it. Bridges' ceiling is also definitely higher than Covington's and reaching his level wouldn't exactly be the worst outcome.

I agree with several of your points - I think it really comes down to who is available when the Suns pick. If I were them I would have Trae Young/Doncic close to the top of their board just because of how those two players in particular would unlock the full offensive abilities of their roster, not to mention their own individual talent. If those two aren't available Ayton and Porter would be impossible to turn down. I'm not a fan of Bagley in terms of how he fits with that roster, I'd have Jaren Jackson ahead of him for the Suns. I'm also not a big fan of Bamba in terms of where people are rating him and would have Bridges ahead of him right now for just about anyone, especially given how deep this class is in terms of bigs.

Philosophically, as already mentioned, you really should be drafting your primary creator types first then once you have those locked in place go for the complimentary pieces like Bridges. I think you're asking too much of Bridges offensively to put him next to Booker, but admittedly he would really help Booker on the defensive end of the floor, but that would be two drafts in a row you've picked the same type of player in the first round. Thus, despite Sexton's pretty average passing, I'd pick him ahead of Bridges for the Suns - whereas for the 76ers picking Bridges over Sexton is a slam dunk if the Lakers pick transfers to us.

I absolutely agree with all your thoughts on this post about the Suns except for the last sentence....I wouldn't rule out Sexton but as of now I prefer Bridges, despite the Suns current roster.

[clyde21]

Neither Booker nor Bridges can be the primary ballhandler/playmaker so not sure how it'll work. Doncic is a better fit.

[The-Power]

Neither Booker nor Bridges can be the primary ballhandler/playmaker so not sure how it'll work. Doncic is a better fit.

Well, Doncic is also miles better than Mikal and would definitely be off the board in case the Suns drop low enough to even consider drafting Mikal (6-10 range).

[dremill24]

I’d take him in that range and figure it out. For me it’d be about the high confidence in him being a great role player (while acknowledging the risk of him flopping) and making Warren/Jackson expendable. I’m not crazy about Book as full time ball handler, but a Booker/Bridges wing combo makes me smile. Maybe Warren or Jackson can help net a true 1 or versatile big later on.

[bwgood77]

I wasn't really expecting to end up with Bridges as our 2nd pick in the draft...and Oboko on top of that....a guy I was actually hoping we took at 16. We have lots of wings now....though I guess a number of teams do and at least now the Suns have one that can shoot AND play defense, even if it came at a high cost.

[Marcus]

I even like the pairing as a one and two. Book is a better playmaker than he gets credit for. Bridges should provide slashing room for Josh and post spacing for Ayton. Having two high energy wing defenders isnt bad either could be terrors together and you guys in general have size and mobility to switch often without much on ball droooff. Hopefully TJ plays 6man like a champ but i think hes moveable if not.

[BostonCouchGM]

I wasn't really expecting to end up with Bridges as our 2nd pick in the draft...and Oboko on top of that....a guy I was actually hoping we took at 16. We have lots of wings now....though I guess a number of teams do and at least now the Suns have one that can shoot AND play defense, even if it came at a high cost.

I think Booker brings the ball up like he was doing late last season and Bridges will be at the 2, Jackson at 3, Bender at 4 and Ayton at the 5. That's the makings of a dynasty. Great defense, nice spacing for shooters and a dominant Big man. You can't draw it up better than that. I can't see the Suns not making the playoffs.

[Big Mac Biyombo]

I wasn't really expecting to end up with Bridges as our 2nd pick in the draft...and Oboko on top of that....a guy I was actually hoping we took at 16. We have lots of wings now....though I guess a number of teams do and at least now the Suns have one that can shoot AND play defense, even if it came at a high cost.

I think Booker brings the ball up like he was doing late last season and Bridges will be at the 2, Jackson at 3, Bender at 4 and Ayton at the 5. That's the makings of a dynasty. Great defense, nice spacing for shooters and a dominant Big man. You can't draw it up better than that. I can't see the Suns not making the playoffs.

Come on now. I like how they've drafted, but let's not get carried away.

[Duke4life831]

I wasn't really expecting to end up with Bridges as our 2nd pick in the draft...and Oboko on top of that....a guy I was actually hoping we took at 16. We have lots of wings now....though I guess a number of teams do and at least now the Suns have one that can shoot AND play defense, even if it came at a high cost.

How do you think the lineup is going to shake out? Do you think long term you guys are hoping for a perimeter setup of Booker at the 1 and Mikal and Jackson switching between the 2 and 3? I dont think either Mikal or Jackson are 4s even in today's game. But if Booker can play the 1 offensively, defensively you will be able to hide him pretty easily out on the perimeter because of the likes of Mikal and Jackson, plus Booker's size.