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2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 30: Miles Bridges #0 of the East team dunks against the West team during the 2016 McDonalds’s All American Game on March 30, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 30: Miles Bridges #0 of the East team dunks against the West team during the 2016 McDonalds’s All American Game on March 30, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

21. Miles Bridges, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Small Forward
Age: 18 (3/21/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.25″, 226 pounds, 6’8.75″
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

Miles Bridges has a weakness—an underwhelming wingspan—that’s balanced out by a strength—elite athleticism. One could debate which is more important, but what’s clear is that Bridges is more than athletic enough to make it in the NBA.

The question is, can head coach Tom Izzo help Bridges develop the rest of his game in 2016-17?

The test for Bridges will be working to improve his lateral quickness, and thus becoming a fit for the 2-spot. He’s certainly explosive and fast enough in the open court, but needs to be able to defend scoring guards.

If he’s unable to do so, then his true position will be left in question due to his relatively short wingspan.

Bridges projects to be an outstanding defensive player, and he’s just as proficient as a straight-line finisher. His shooting mechanics need to be stabilized and improved, and he must develop his handles, but there is raw potential.

If Bridges puts the work in, he could be a Top 10 pick.

Next: The Next German Phenom?