Mikal Bridges is the latest player to workout for the New York Knicks, bringing with him a winning pedigree cultivated during his title runs with Villanova.
The 2018 NBA Draft is quickly approaching as top prospects from around the world are making their way to Brooklyn, New York. The event is sure to feature plenty of drama as usual heading into the New York Knicks‘ No. 9 selection.
Mikal Bridges did more than pay his dues in college playing for the defending national champion Villanova Wildcats. In the era of “one and done” players, the versatile small forward contributed to two titles during his three-year stint, turning plenty of heads with his exceptional ability on both ends of the court. His 17.7 points per game were among the Big East conference leaders last season, and he earned tournament MVP honors in the process.
Bridges, who is projected by many to be selected by the Knicks, worked out for management recently, sharing excitement and optimism at the chance to play in New York City. Bridges pointed out his defense and desire to be part of a winner during his post-workout interviews with reporters.
"“Defense, of course, that’s where I take my pride, Shooting the ball. I shoot the ball really well and transition and finishing. That’s my top three. Ball-handling and play-making, people say I need a lot of work. I know I do, but it’s better than people think.“The Garden is a special place, I love the Garden. I had my best games at the Garden this year. I played really good at the Big East Tournament. … A lot of great things happened [for me] at the Garden. It’s beautiful. I love it. That winning mentality, That’s only thing I care about is winning and bringing home a championship.’’"
Bridges is expected to be a target of the Philadelphia 76ers, who select after New York in the draft order. He would provide a much-needed piece upfront to go along with the young nucleus of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. The Knicks need to consider Bridges highly because of his championship pedigree that would supply a hard luck roster with a winning attitude.
Bridges’ college head coach, Jay Wright, was on the Knicks’ wish list during their head coaching search last month. In a discussion with the media recently, Wright praised the growth and overall ability of his junior forward:
"“Going into his first year of playing we thought we had something special here. Then he just kept improving every aspect of his game ‘til the end of this season where in the Big East championship game, he just took the game over.“He did that in a number of games for us this season – defended, rebounded, created his own shot, ran pick-and-roll, posted up, isolation. everything. He’s a complete player, a great leader, an amazing young man.”"
The Knicks’ current frontline lacks versatility outside of Lance Thomas, who has struggled to stay healthy through a full season. The heavy rotation of guards will not benefit from an addition of another selection in the draft.
Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)
Head coach David Fizdale has preached the importance of changing the culture in New York and Bridges can breathe new life into that plan. A well-coached player mixed in with the grouping of talented young guards could be a lethal combination for the Knicks moving forward as they try to find a reasonable balance on the roster.