Empire Writes Back
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2018 NBA Draft: New York Knicks Mock Draft

By Matthew Travis

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Mikal Bridges (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Mikal Bridges (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

With the Ninth Pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select…

Scouting Report. . Mikal Bridges. 9. player. 27. SF. Villanova

Mikal Bridges, the small forward out of Villanova, helped lead the Wildcats to a second National Championship in three seasons. Bridges had a great season for Villanova averaging 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

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The Knicks are not only picking Bridges because he would be one of the best players available with the ninth pick, but also because they are lacking a consistent small forward who can make an impact.

This season, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Lance Thomas were the small forwards of choice for the Knicks. Hardaway Jr. averaged 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Good numbers but not the numbers you would want from a starter in the NBA. Thomas, on the other hand, averaged 4.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. Not quite the numbers you would ask for from a player who is getting a good amount of minutes off the bench.

Bridges could solve this problem. He could give the Knicks a solid option to help Kristaps Porzingis bring the Knicks back to the playoffs. Bridges is a 6’7, 200 lb. forward who could make a serious impact on both ends of the court for the Knicks if he were to wear blue and orange next season.

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