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5 favorite fits in the 2018 NBA Draft class based off need

By Michael Dugger

TUSCALOOSA, AL - JANUARY 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to maneuver by Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game at Coleman Coliseum on January 27, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - JANUARY 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to maneuver by Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game at Coleman Coliseum on January 27, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Mikal Bridges, Philadelphia 76ers — No. 10

Sometimes when building a team through the draft as the Philadelphia 76ers have done, fate comes to your side and the perfect player to fit your team is expected to fall to you. With the Sixers picking 10th in the 2018 NBA Draft and a massive need for wing defense and shooting, Villanova’s Mikal Bridges would check both boxes and fits alongside their three promising players.

The two-time NCAA averaged 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game this season for the Wildcats and has been a constant selection among mocks for the 76ers, for good reasons. With players that demand touches such as Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Markelle Fultz, finding a prototypical 3-and-D should be at the top of Philly’s wish list this offseason. Bridges is the best one in the draft (and someone I rate top five in this draft).

Bridges shot an outstanding 43.5 percent on 7.4 3-point attempts his junior season with the ability to knock them down coming off screens, dribble handoffs and spotting up. This diversity in efficiency from deep will help him get his shot off at the next level, especially when defenses will be focused more on the Fultz, Simmons and Embiid. He can also attack close-outs and show some impressive ability to finish at the rim.

His defense is probably his greatest asset, though. Bridges is 6’7” with a 7’0” wingspan, and often guarded the opposing team’s best perimeter player in college. He can legitimately guard 1-4 and has the quickness, size and strength to be an impact defender his first day in the NBA.

To round out the appeal of Mikal Bridges to the 76ers is his NBA-readiness. The 76ers should be among the top three favorites in the Eastern Conference and drafting a player that can make an immediate impact while spacing the floor and guarding well on the perimeter makes him a spot-on prospect for the Philadelphia 76ers.

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