Hornets Player Grades: Miles Bridges

What grade did Bridges earn after returning from a suspension to start the year?

Mar 23, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

After a career tarnishing 12 months where Bridges pled no contest and narrowly avoided jail time for a felony charge of injuring a child's parent, Bridges returned, albeit after serving a 10 game suspension at the start the season. For some it was eagerly awaited, others it was bitter sweet. No matter which side of the discussion you were on, there were no past examples of a player being forced to sit out organised basketball for twelve months in their mid-20s while fully healthy. Would an instant return to form be a guarantee?

Glass Half Full

Miles Bridges hit the ground running after his suspension, looking sharp and making an immediate impact. It took Bridges only two games to take the starting power forward position from PJ Washington who struggled early. Bridges only missed three games after his suspension and finished fourth in the league in minutes per game, in someways he was Charlotte's iron man in terms of reliability. The irony of this considering his absence over the previous 12 months isn't lost on me.

Despite his negative public perception, Clifford and multiple players referenced to Bridges as one of the emotional leaders of the team after Rozier was traded. Bridges averaged a career high in minutes (37.4), points (21.0) and rebounds (7.3). The main driver being his career high usage rate (23.5%) as injuries was into a top two offensive option next to Brandon Miller. Bridges efficiency suffered as a result, but that's to be expected with the lack of healthy and available talent on the roster.

Glass Half Empty

Despite productive counting stats, Bridges play failed to pass the eye test. Bridges stopped attacking the rim with the ferocity, athleticism and frequency most remembered and replaced his attacks with a heavy dose of mid-range shots (38%). His true shooting percentage fell to 55.6%, having been at 62% and 59% the previous two seasons. If you only used one word to describe Bridges on offense this season it would be "Settled", as he often took shots opposing defenses were happy to give him.

Defensively, his off-ball awareness which was never considered a strength, remained eye poppingly bad. His declining athleticism also showed up on the defensive end, with a career low in blocks (0.5) despite a career high in minutes. Despite playing so many minutes, Bridges looked "Heavy" all season which appeared to limit his speed and athleticism. If he isn't the same downhill threat driver, will he be the right fit next to the perimeter oriented duo of Ball and Miller?

Best Moment of The Season

Miles Bridges hitting the game winning three in OT against the Eastern Conference topping Boston Celtics

Miles Bridges makes the 3 to put the Hornets up 119-116 in OT!

Celtics-Hornets | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/ZpCNkXzM8B pic.twitter.com/w8S05NFeS5

— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2023

Worst Moment of The Season

Bridges loss of athleticism

How did we go from the Clint Capela dunk in 2021 to this just 3 years later.

Seems like Bridges’ elite athleticism has dropped in his age 26 season. pic.twitter.com/CmVLxbMwWP

— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) April 10, 2024

Overall Grade - B

My expectations were for Bridges to look a lot rustier than he did upon his return. I expect fan grades to range widely on Bridges. Some will say the role he was forced into and surrounding context, combined with general rust from twelve months off are excuses for some of his issues. However, others won't cut him so much slack, believing his play style isn't well suited to winning basketball. I find myself somewhere in the middle, but leaning more towards the first point of view. We have just seen PJ Washington excel in a better role and context in Dallas, and I believe Bridges could do the same.