Miles Bridges, SF/PF – Michigan State
Miles Bridges, like Robert Williams, is showing as a late lottery player. He’s another sophomore that the Los Angeles Clippers can look to play in multiple positions. At 6’7″, 230lbs, he can slot in as both a small forward or a small ball power forward. Also like Williams, returning for his sophomore season made him drop outside of being a top-10 pick.
Through his 26 games for the Spartans this season, Bridges is averaging 17.8 points on 49% shooting, including 37.2% from three on 5.6 attempts per game. He also manages to grab 7.1 rebounds and dishes out 2.8 assists. His length (6’9″ wingspan) also helps him get 1.0 blocks per game, which is great for a wing player.
Take a look at his 2017 highlights.
Bridges has shown the ability to knock down the three-ball and with his athleticism and size, he could become a 3-and-D player which every team in the NBA wants. His 37% shooting from three is good and if he were to improve it in the NBA, he would easily fit almost any roster. Pairing him alongside Tobias Harris would give the Clippers the ability to switch often on defense without giving up much size or speed to the opponent.
According to NBADraft.net, Bridges does have some issues handling the ball, which could be a problem in the NBA when defenders have quicker hands. Sports Illustrated (who currently has the Clips taking Bridges) also cited that he could have some issues attacking off the dribble.
"Bridges’ struggles to attack off the dribble and lack of ideal measurables could be indicative of some long-term problems, but at the back end of the lottery he makes sense given the things he does do well."
As Sports Illustrated says, he may not be a complete player yet, but there are enough positives there to justify taking him late in the lottery. With Danilo Gallinari still under contract, Bridges could come off the bench and learn on the fly while not being forced into major minutes.