Miles Bridges Sends Instagram Story Message To LaMelo Ball

Miles Bridges wished his Charlotte Hornets teammate a happy birthday.

Apr 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) celebrates after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports

LaMelo Ball is one of the best young stars in the NBA.

Despite only appearing in 22 games last season, he still averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.8 steals per contest while shooting 43.3% from the field and 35.5% from the three-point range.

On Thursday, Ball is celebrating his 23rd birthday.

Many people have given him well wishes on social media, and one person who sent out a post was Miles Bridges.

Bridges (via his Instagram story): "Happy RTB day brotha love you gang 5L and after @melo"

Miles Bridges Instagram Story / August 22

Ball and Bridges have been teammates for all four seasons that Ball has been in the NBA.

Last year, Bridges averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest while shooting 46.2% from the field and 34.9% from the three-point range in 69 games.

Over the summer, he agreed to a new deal with the Hornets (h/t ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski).

Via Wojnarowski on July 6: "Free agent F Miles Bridges has agreed on a three-year, $75 million deal to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN."

Free agent F Miles Bridges has agreed on a three-year, $75 million deal to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/8uQ2fLaDDC

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024

Despite the two players being extremely talented, they have been unable to lead the Hornets to the NBA playoffs.

They are coming off a year where they were the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 21-61 record.

Jan 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) dribbles on Detroit Pistons guard Monte Morris (5) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The franchise has been unable to reach the playoffs since the 2016 season when Kemba Walker was still on the roster (eight years ago).

If the Hornets can have a healthy season, they should be able to take a step forward next year.