2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Player Profile:

“While Bridges does have some rough spots in terms of his overall offensive repertoire, his athleticism alone allows him to be effective in multiple different facets. He’s explosive en route to the basket and thus is one of college basketball’s most effective slashers cutting in from the outside. He makes quick, decisive moves off the ball, in turn allowing him to create space off of slower defenders or bully weaker opposition when attacking the interior.

Bridges has also proven effective in straight-line drives when handling the ball. He’s not an overtly skilled creator by any stretch but is extremely difficult to handle off the bounce given his unique blend of strength and quickness. Bridges is — simply stated — a killer when slashing to the basket.

Additionally, Bridges’ frame boasts obvious defensive potential at multiple spots on the floor. He’s quick enough to guard several positions on the exterior and strong enough to bang with far-taller players on the interior.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.

Outside Opinion:

“Players like that often find ways to make an impact. Bridges is producing at historic levels for his age, as he is the only freshman in sports-reference.com‘s 25-year database to average 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. These numbers are even more impressive when you consider that Michigan State ranks No. 246 out of 351 college teams in tempo.

As a combo forward with elite athleticism, it’s easy to picture Bridges as the sort of NBA lineup connector that I described earlier. He could run in transition with your point guard, make smart passes and plays for others, switch on defense, and even force turnovers. In theory, you could play small with him at power forward, or bigger with him at small forward.” — Sam Vecenie on Vice Sports in Miles Bridges Is Made for the New NBA.

Team Fit:

Miles Bridges can jump out of the gym on any given play, and garners lottery consideration based on his athletic tools alone. A well-built 6-7 forward with his type of strength has the potential to provide numerous benefits in a rotation down the road, whether it be playing a small ball four role or as a switch-heavy defensive option on the wing.

While the Hornets already have a solid pair of wings to build around moving forward in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Nic Batum, it’s difficult to pass up on Bridges’ talent here. As Vecenie alluded to in the piece linked above, Bridges’ versatility is an ideal fit in today’s league. He can shoot the 3-ball, execute as a slasher, and provides a defensive boost to an already-effective defensive rotation in Charlotte.

There’s a lot to like about Bridges this late in the lottery, and Michael Jordan’s team pulls the trigger regardless of perceived fit.