NBA: Top 10 candidates for 2018-19 Rookie of the Year award

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10. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets

Between Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lamb, Malik Monk and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Miles Bridges‘ path to playing time is currently obscured whether he’s pencilled in as a 2, a 3 or even a small-ball 4 (MKG, Marvin Williams). However, if James Borrego isn’t able to immediately coax positive change out of a roster that’s won 36 games in two straight seasons, minutes might open up for the rook.

It’s no secret the Charlotte Hornets should seriously consider trading their star Kemba Walker, especially with so many bad contracts on the books that need to be moved. If the Hornets trade one of those wing players, or if Bridges simply proves himself as NBA-ready, he could carve out playing time for himself.

It probably won’t be enough to compete with the ROY favorites, but Bridges is versatile, skilled and strong enough to be a two-way presence right off the bat. In NBA Summer League, he posted 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. If he can touch up his efficiency and spread the floor to 3-point range, he just might have a puncher’s chance.