NBA Draft Scouting Report: Baylor's Jalen Bridges
Jalen Bridges
Forward | Baylor
Height: 6'7” | Weight: 225 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 23.11
William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
A West Virginia transfer, Bridges spent three college seasons (one of which was a redshirt year) in the Big 12 before moving in-conference to Baylor. An athletic forward with length and versatility, he has the tools to develop into a 3-and-D wing at the next level. At 6-foot-7, he was fine playing more power forward at the college level, but from here will need to enhance his perimeter skills to play more on the wing.
Bridges’ 3-point shot looks good, although his percentages aren’t as high they’ll need to be at the next level. His mechanics look solid and he’s knocked down 34.4% of his career attempts from deep, but his efficiency has slightly fallen each season. Consistency converting at a 35% rate or better will be key in him reaching his NBA ceiling.
The Baylor prospect isn’t a great self-creator, thriving in situations that are more off-ball. Luckily, he’s great at relocating when teammates drive to generate open looks for himself. He’s great when he plays in a defined role and takes the right shots, which was clear last season as he shot 65% from the floor overall.
Bridges is a prospect that find a way to impact winning without ball in his hands. He’s a smart player that does the little things to help his team and is active on both ends of the floor.
The defensive side of the ball is where Bridges is most intriguing. He has great lateral quickness and is a good shot blocker for his size. The combination of quickness and length allows him to be extremely versatile and guard upwards of four positions.
Between the smooth jumper and the length, it’s easy to see why Bridges has the chance to go in the second round this summer. He could absolutely thrive as a screener in the NBA with his ability to pick and then roll as a lob threat or pop as a perimeter shooter. He’s great as a secondary rim protector and is consistently making great defensive rotations. He has defensive playmaking ability and is a capable shooter off the catch that will keep the defense honest.
Bridges was a four-star prospect coming out of high school, committing to West Virginia and staying home before ultimately transferring in preparation for making the NBA leap. He withdrew from the 2023 NBA Draft, but will look to improve his stock ahead of the summer of 2024.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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