By Sally Fahey
Villanova’s Mikal Bridges became a Sixer last night.
For a nanosecond.
When Bridges was drafted with the 10th pick of last night’s NBA draft, all of Nova Nation rejoiced:
Coach Jay Wright, Bridges’ mom (who works for the Sixers), especially the clueless Amy Fadool, who was drooling.
Then the difference between college and pro basketball ended the happiness party.
The Sixers sent the Villanova swingman to the Phoenix Suns for Zhaire Smith in a swap of first-round draft picks.
Bridges was traded shortly after he wrapped a press conference expressing his excitement at playing for his hometown team. The Sixers also acquired an unprotected 2021 first-round pick in the trade.
Smith worked out twice for the Sixers during the draft process and should be a rotation player for the blossoming Eastern Conference playoff team. The 19-year-old Smith averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists a game in his lone season at Texas Tech.
