Knicks rumors: Mikal Bridges will be No. 9 pick in 2018 NBA Draft
Recent New York Knicks rumors reveal who the team may be selecting with the No. 9 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
There have been plenty of New York Knicks rumors leading up to the 2018 NBA Draft. With the draft set to occur tonight, we will see which of the Knicks rumors were true, if any.
Recently, the Knicks were mentioned as one of the teams enamored with Texas center, Mohamed Bamba. New York currently owns the No. 9 pick in the draft, but Bamba is expected to be a top-five pick.
There are a few teams looking to move out of the top-five that the Knicks could engage in trade talks. The Atlanta Hawks at No. 3 and Memphis Grizzlies at No. 4 are both dangling their selections in trade talks.
Whether the Knicks have enough assets or willingness to move up that high, we will find out. However, if they remain in the ninth spot, we now have an idea of who they may look to select.
Members of the Knicks organization met in-person with Texas’ Mohamed Bamba in New York today, team sources told ESPN. The meeting is an indication that the Knicks are considering trading up from the No. 9 pick. Bamba is projected as the fifth pick in ESPN's latest mock draft.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 20, 2018
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks will be selecting Villanova forward Mikal Bridges with the No. 9 pick. There are a number of players that the Knicks have worked out and liked, but it sounds like Bridges is their man.
Berman added that the Knicks like Bridges so much, they would even pass on Michael Porter Jr. if he were still available.
"“Sources have indicated Bridges still is the favorite to be the Knicks’ selection at nine Thursday — even if Michael Porter Jr. falls. The Knicks are starting to get cold feet on the uber-talented Porter after his latest mishap last week, when he incurred hip spasms before his on-again, off-again, on-again public workout in Chicago.”"
Porter came into the 2017-18 season as one of the top prospects in all of college basketball. However, a back injury suffered in his first game at Missouri derailed his season. Porter was able to play in two games to finish the season, but the hip injury he suffered during workouts is believed to stem from the back injury.
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While Porter may have a higher ceiling than Bridges, New York cannot afford to whiff on this pick. Bridges is considered by many as a safe pick, but that is okay for the Knicks.
General manager Scott Perry said that a rotational player at No. 9 is as important as landing an All-Star. That was in reference to Kevin Knox, who reportedly impressed the Knicks during his workout. While he is considered a higher-upside prospect than Bridges, Knox is less polished and more of a work in progress.
Per Berman:
"“While Kentucky freshman forward Kevin Knox opened the Knicks’ eyes with a surprising workout and has gotten consideration late in the process, Bridges is the best bet. Perry said recently adding ‘a solid rotational player’ at nine is as important as shooting for an All-Star.”"
Bridges would fit in well with the current Knicks core. New York is short on wing players. Bridges could step right into the lineup and produce from Day 1. His 3-and-D outlook is very high, as he is already regarded as a strong defender and is an improving shooter, knocking down 43.5 percent of his long range attempts last season.
His defense is what will really be helpful in New York. Courtney Lee will be 33 years old when the regular season begins. While he is still productive, finding a long-term replacement on the wing is a must. Tim Hardaway Jr. is still around, but his return to New York was underwhelming, at best.
Right now, the wing, specifically small forward, is the most open position on the team. Bridges could receive big minutes right off the bat, which would be great for his development.
Next: New York Knicks: 5 Options For No. 9 Overall Pick
While his ceiling may not be as high as other forwards in the draft such as Porter, Knox or Miles Bridges, Mikal is most ready to step into a rotation and contribute right away. If that is what the Knicks are looking for, it makes sense that Mikal Bridges would be their pick.