NBA: Way-too-early predictions for the 2018-19 All-Rookie teams

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Second team

Mikal Bridges, Guard/Forward, Phoenix Suns

2017-18 stats: 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks, 43.5 3PT%

Over his three seasons at Villanova, Mikal Bridges became the perfect 3-and-D player. His 3-point percentage rose every season despite an increasing offensive role, and he established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the country.

Phoenix clearly value him highly, as they traded Zhaire Smith and a first round pick to acquire him on draft day. That means he should start for the Suns, if not from day one then very early on in the season.

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Bridges’ 7-foot wingspan and defensive IQ will help him to immediately help Phoenix’s ailing defense. His catch-and-shoot prowess is a perfect fit with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, and he shouldn’t take long to carve out a role in the Valley of the Sun.

Projected 2018-19 stats: 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 38.5 3PT%

Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets

2017-18 stats: 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks

Bridges failed to take any meaningful steps forward in his sophomore year at Michigan State, but he should still be an impact rookie for the Hornets.

He has a nice 3-point shooting stroke (37.5 per cent over two seasons) and is able to create his own shot when needed. Defensively, he will be able to guard multiple positions, as he is big enough to defend in the post and quick enough to chase guards on the perimeter.

Whether the Hornets embrace a full-on rebuild or keep fighting for the playoffs, Bridges is a player that can fit with almost any roster. He fills a need on the wing in Charlotte and should see plenty of minutes.

Projected 2018-19 stats: 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals

Wendell Carter Jr, Center, Chicago Bulls

2017-18 stats: 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.1 blocks

The Bulls need a strong interior presence to play next to Lauri Markkanen, and they found one in Carter. While he’s not a great athlete, he is a do-it-all player who will help the Bulls on both sides of the floor.

Markkanen’s defensive weaknesses should be somewhat covered by Carter’s strengths, as he is an adept shot blocker with long arms and good judgement. Offensively, Carter is a fluid jump shooter (41.3% from 3) who can stretch the floor, score in the post or make plays for teammates.

Robin Lopez is still under contract for next season, but the Bulls would be wise to give Carter as many minutes as he can handle. He and Markkanen will be in Chicago’s frontcourt for the next decade or more.

Projected 2018-19 stats: 10.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 blocks

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