The Sixer Sense
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2018 NBA Draft Big Board 4.0: New year, new rankings

By Christopher Kline

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
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8. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova

A Philly favorite, Bridges has taken a massive leap forward this season. His 3-and-D potential has always been there, but his ability to take on a featured role in Villanova’s offense is something many people questioned before the season.

He’s still not much of a creator, so his combination of spot-up shooting and cutting will be his bread and butter at the next level. But he’s at least showing some promise off the bounce, handling himself better when he’s forced to put the ball on the floor.

Defense, of course, remains Bridges’ calling card — and moves him into the top eight. He’s 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and crazy instincts, working his way into passing lanes, making weakside blocks and proving effective against the opposition’s best players in most cases.