Mikal Bridges or Kevin Knox?
It’s getting to be about crunch time in the #EmbraceDebate that is Mikal Bridges vs Kevin Knox. With the NBA Draft merely hours away, the two names most associated with the Sixers are these two Otto Porter clones. Knox just finished up his second private workout in Philly and Bridges is who Adrian Wojnarowskj has slated as the 10th pick in his latest mock draft. Both players have pretty similar skill sets. We get to hear “3 and D” every time these players are mentioned so if you’re playing Draft Buzz Word Bingo, it’s going to be blackout city. The Sixers are looking for a guy who can create offense on the wing, guard the perimeter, and not shit the bed against the Celtics in the playoffs. Both guys could be the last piece to the puzzle, but which one is the right fit?
Kevin Knox:
Kevin Knox seems like he has the ability to be a walking bucket in the offensive end of the floor. He’s the reason my kids are playing lacrosse. 6’9 guys with that type of shooting stroke should be illegal. Knox really could set and fire from the perimeter at Kentucky and could definitely sit around the 40% 3PFG in the NBA. One of his weaknesses is creating for himself but he certainly has the athleticism to change that. He’s 18, when he has more than a glorified AAU coach in John Calipari, he will add some dynamic moves.
Somehow, despite the impressive tape and the smoke around his name that has him shooting up draft boards, I just don’t see it. I think it’s because I hate John Calipari and can never actively support Kentucky players, but Knox doesn’t move the meter for me. I know the Sixers are high on him so I wouldn’t be disappointed to see him at Wells Fargo next year, but he wouldn’t be my pick as GM (as if we had one anyways).
Mikal Bridges:
The term “3 and D” guy is so played out but they made Bridges in a 3 and D guy factory. With a 7 foot wing span, Bridges just flat out causes havoc on defense. He’s in every passing lane, he’s pretty disciplined, he can recover well and presses up on his man. It’s beautiful. On the offensive end, he can score on the perimeter with set shots like Robert Covington can, but he can also, you know, make layups. He’s so long and athletic it helps him finish in traffic around the rim. What I don’t love is his ability to create for himself. Look, Lebron’s not coming. Someone on this roster needs to be able to go one on one with a defender at the end of the game and create a bucket for themselves. Bridges is not the guy.
I am making the official phillyfanlife.com stance as Pro-Mikal Bridges. You heard it here first. If they hire me as GM tomorrow, Mikal Bridges is staying home. I love the upside he possesses as a lengthy mismatch on both sides of the floor. Kevin Knox has a lot of upside too, but I think Bridges could be plugged in as a productive role player on this roster from day one.
Comment who you think the Sixers will take tomorrow night: Does Mikal Bridges stay home? Is Kevin Knox the missing piece? Do they trade up for Luka Doncic? Find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z.