Mikal Bridges’ career in the NBA, let’s say, has been quite eventful since the 2018 Draft Picked by the Sixers “by his mother”, but then traded to the Phoenix Suns for the rights to Zhaire Smith and a future first-rounder pick.
At least on paper it looks like Philadelphia made a mistake when he left, and in Phoenix he really showed his full potential. However, it wasn’t enough for them to trust him over the years, and the Nets traded him again in a huge deal for Kevin Durant. A shift that Mikal never expected, even by chance.
“It’s really crazy. “I thought I was always the last player they would move,” Bridges admitted in a recent interview with the portal. RG.org. “When I was in Phoenix I really thought about it. “That I would never leave that team,” he added.
“More than anything because of the type of player that I am. I’m like the glue for everything… So no team will do that in general for me. But once you move it, you can imagine that it’s a It’s an ongoing thing. But I hope things go well for me in New York and that I don’t act again,” he said.
And because the summer was so long and Bridges stayed out of the playoffs for the first time in the last three years, the day after the Knicks finished he was already training in their facilities in Tarrytown, as the player commented.
“It was amazing,” he acknowledged when he arrived at the Knicks. “Obviously I wasn’t there last year, but I feel everyone’s desire to improve and win… It’s great. I like everyone there. “They have a great atmosphere in the locker room,” he said.
Bridges unite the baptized NovaKnicks with his former college teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart with whom he won two NCAA championships.
“The city of New York loves them (Brunson and Hart) very much. I have known them for a long time and they deserve this and more. “They are great people,” he emphasized.
Your ready adaptation
Throughout his career he has always considered himself a secondary player, a team player. But his move to the Nets automatically made him their offensive reference. His field usage increased from 11% in Phoenix to over 25% for the New York franchise. And logically his numbers grew to career highs: 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per day.
But for the first time since his season recruit His field goal percentage dropped below 50%. This is what hurts Bridges the most, who is not used to paying attention to statistics, but it hits him the hardest.
“I want to be more efficient in all aspects of the game,” Bridges acknowledged. “I think it’s something I’ve been good at all my life. So my last year and a half in Brooklyn felt a little strange,” he admits.
“To be able to do everything offensively and defensively, but do it effectively. It’s not easy, but I think I can solve it,” he added.
Fortunately for him, the Knicks are now a complete team, where Brunson and the return of Randle are the main references. This means that his role is the third or fourth sword, which requires more emphasis on other aspects of the game, such as defense or rebound.
“I think they complement each other very well. And I said this before I came in. They both play really well (Brunson and Randle),” Bridges said. “And I know how Jalen plays when he has the ball. We’ve played together for years and we have great chemistry. And I think I’m going to try to build that with Julius as well.” training camp and the preseason. Last year they went really well together and I think I can combine perfectly,” he explained.
«Julius was injured last year and was out for a while. But getting him back is easier for everyone. Jalen and I especially. We can open the way, get out of the blocks… Anything we can help them with. I think it all starts with the two of them. Developing our game around him and facilitating other teammates,” he concluded.