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New York Knicks: 5 prospects to watch in 2018 NCAA Tournament East Region

By Kenneth Teape

NORMAN, OK - FEBRUARY 05: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers waits to enter the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center on February 5, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. West Virginia defeated Oklahoma 75-73. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - FEBRUARY 05: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers waits to enter the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center on February 5, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. West Virginia defeated Oklahoma 75-73. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: 5 prospects to watch in NCAA Tournament East Region
Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images /

1. Mikal Bridges, Villanova

Taking a look at the Knicks’ roster, it is clear where they need help. The wing is where they are lacking the most, specifically small forward. Lance Thomas is already 29. Michael Beasley is better off at power forward. Troy Williams has looked good when given the chance in his short time with the team. Tim Hardaway Jr. looks more the part of a shooting guard.

As a result, small forward could be where the Knicks look in the first round. Depending on where their pick lands, they could miss out on one of the impact centers or point guards. Right now the Knicks are slated for the No. 9 spot. If they stay true, it would be a perfect spot to land Mikal Bridges out of Villanova.

Bridges has moved up draft boards as much as arguably any player this season. He came into the season as maybe a late first round prospect but has played his way into lottery consideration, possibly a top-10 pick.

There were some aspects of his game, such as 3-point shooting and his handle. If you watched him at all this season, you’d see he worked hard to improve in both areas. He knocked down 43.3 percent of his 3-point attempts and had only 1.4 turnovers per game.

Bridges would be an excellent selection for the Knicks with their first round pick. Versatility and athleticism are keys to succeeding in the NBA right now, and Bridges would bring both. At 6’7”, he has the elite length to combine with his athleticism and skill-set. He is the prototypical 3-and-D wing player with the ability to be elite in both categories.

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Bridges was a defensive standout when he arrived at Villanova, and now he has added a strong offensive game to go along with it. This is the perfect kind of player for the Knicks to add to their young core given his versatile skill-set, work ethic and motor. Bridges looks like one of the safer selections in this year’s draft class as he comes from a great program at Villanova, which usually produces players who are ready to contribute right away at the next level.