NBA Draft prospect profile: Miles Bridges the sophomore sensation

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans yells in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

Strengths: Brings constant aggression

The value of a hustle player is immeasurable to his or her team. When a player provides a wide skill set and displays tremendous energy they might be dubbed a star. This is the case with Bridges he is a highly skilled player who also brings the aggression. This quality is full display in the video below.

After his teammate misses a fade away shot two players begin to get back on defense, not Miles Bridges. He stayed with the play got the offensive rebound and scored for the Spartans. This play can be seen many times in the NBA and this hustle would be welcome on any NBA team.

Ability to score in a variety of areas

The NBA is always looking for the next versatile scorer Miles Bridges might be it. Bridges is a prolific dunker and a decent three-point shooter however his mid-range game needs some attention. Nevertheless, Bridges can put the ball in the basket as shown in the next clip.

Bridges drove to the rack on one possession and swished a three on another. If he can score with a similar pace in the NBA the team who selects him will significantly improve.

Cons of Miles Bridges: Trouble pulling up

While, Miles Bridges can score in multiple areas he does not necessarily score in multiple ways. His pre-draft scouting report on NBA DraftNet, noted Bridges excelled at catching and shooting opportunities. But, displayed difficulty pulling up.

Catching and shooting is a huge part of today’s NBA, however pulling up has a place in the league as well. Bridges must improve that area of his game if he is to reach his full potential. If not Bridges runs the risk of being a predictable offensive player in the NBA.

Relies too heavily on athleticism

This is a common knock on a player coming into the league, yet it cannot be overlooked. These players are used to being the best on the court. They can often get away with that mentality in high school and to a certain degree in college. But, once they reach the NBA all the players they go against are just as good or better.

Although Bridges made the shot he took such contact to do so, that will wear a player out taking such a physical pounding for 82 games. NBA physicality is an adjustment for rookies some are up for the challenge, whereas others fail to adjust and ultimately fall out of the league.

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