9. Mikal Bridges – SF
2018-19 Stats: 8.3 PTS, 43% FG, 3.2 REB, 2.1 AST 1.5 STL, 0.5 BLK
Much like Huerter, Mikal Bridges is the “other” rookie on his respective team. He was taken in the top ten by the 76ers, but then traded to Phoenix. The 6’7″ small forward won’t be a star or likely even a household name, but he showed why he was worth being a top-10 pick this season.
Bridges seems like the perfect role player. In this day and age, everyone wants their team to hit home-runs with draft picks (especially teams like Phoenix who are years away from winning), but getting someone like Bridges is necessary too.
He’s a capable defender and isn’t a horrible shooter from deep (34% from three on 3.8 attempts). Bridges understands his role and will be comfortable there as both Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton continue to develop.
8. Marvin Bagley III – PF
2018-19 Stats: 14.9 PTS, 50% FG, 7.6 REB, 1.0 AST, 1.0 BLK
As the second overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, seeing Marvin Bagley III ranked at eight may make it seem like I think he’s a bust. He is far from that and his position here is just a testament to how good this draft class ended up being.
Bagley, as expected, is no slouch on the offensive end of the floor. He shot just barely over 50% from the field and even showed signs of a three ball. It’s the defensive end that he still needs to improve on.
The Ringer has a great breakdown of his game, so I’ll let them handle the bulk of this: