2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

With Josh Hart on the Lakers, Bridges has taken a big step forward with Villanova this season. The junior is averaging 17 points and shooting 44 percent from deep, building on his resume as one of the draft’s best 3-and-D prospects.

Bridges has always been a long, switchable defender who can knock down open shots. This year, however, he’s doing more off the dribble, something he struggled with in previous seasons. He’s far from an isolation specialist, but is capable of putting the ball on the floor and elevating for shots when needed.

It’s still his defense that keeps him in the lottery discussion though. The Hornets are looking to rebuild, so a wing who can space the floor and defend at a high level could be appealing. Bridges has one of the highest floors outside the top six.