20. SF Miles Bridges, Michigan State
Bridges is a highly unique prospect heading into Michigan State, but I doubt there’s a better program for him to work within than Tom Izzo’s come next season. Standing at 6-6, Bridges has spent a lot of time playing as a faceup four, which could be problematic. He’ll likely have to make the transition to small forward to maximize his potential, but has the tools needed to do so.
Athletically, that type of switch shouldn’t be too much of a problem for Bridges. He’s light on his feet and extremely difficult to contain as a thrasher. He has a solid, NBA-ready build as it stands, and the leaping ability in space to play above the rim with ease. Much akin to Jaylen Brown, he’s somebody who should be able to make the physical leap to the next level without problem.
Skill-wise is where the majority of the concern is, but his potential somewhat triumphs over some of those issues. Mechanically, he has a lot of work to do on his perimeter jump shot, but has shown occasional flashes of being able to knock down rangy shots during his high school career thus far. In addition, he’s a fairly mediocre ball handler at this point, and will need to up his proficiency in that aspect to make the transition to the perimeter more seamless.
Bridges’ quick first step off the perimeter and excellent instincts with the basketball lead me to believe he’ll be able to find avenues of production come time for him to make the NBA transition. He has a quick first step and gets to the rim with ease, knowing how to finish of shots and what he wants to do with the ball once he does so.
Rebounding is also another benefit Bridges provides. While spending less time around the basket defensively could dilute his numbers a bit in that category, Bridges is an aggressive rebounder whose nose for the ball is far more noticeable than it may be for other players his size. He understands how to position his body, and sets himself up for success as a result.
Bridges’ size and athleticism also sure up his defensive ability on the perimeter. He has all the attributes indicative of somebody who should be highly effective as an exterior defender, and under Tom Izzo, shouldn’t have much problem developing into one.
Next: 19. Allen