Memphis Grizzlies: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

No. 8: Miles Bridges

Miles Bridges fits the bill for the Memphis Grizzlies’ needs. He’s an explosive athlete and scorer at the small forward position.

At some moments, he reminds you of Rudy Gay — who the Grizzlies have been trying to replace for five years now.

However, what can he be at the next level? Can he evolve into a two-way beast on the wing like Jimmy Butler or Paul George? Or is he another Jeff Green?

In ESPN’s mock draft, they have Bridges going to Memphis at nine. While he’s honestly the best player of the tier below the “Doncic, Ayton, Bagley, Young, Jackson, Porter, Bamba” tier, this bit of analysis is a tad concerning:

"“… give you enough shooting, ballhandling and passing to get by at one of the most important positions in today’s NBA.”"

How much is “enough?” Is it enough to get by as a rotational player? Or is it enough to make him a bonafide starter?

This season, he’s shooting 37.4 percent from deep and scoring 17.3 points a game. In addition, he’s hauling in seven rounds a game.

His two-way potential as a combo forward is there, and it’s tantalizing. He’s an interchangeable player that can start alongside Chandler Parsons, another combo forward. If his jumper and ball-handling translate well to the NBA, the Grizzlies can nab themselves a solid piece in the 7-10 range.