© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
"I just appreciate that" - Mikal Bridges credits the entire Nets as All-Star potential continues to emerge
Mikal Bridges is utmostly seizing the beaming green light the Brooklyn Nets provide him this 2023-24 season.
From being more of a high-quality, 3-and-D role player in the Phoenix Suns, Mikal was mainly assigned to guard the opposing team's best perimeter player and occasionally hit timely treys. There were only a handful of times he could maximize his skill sets back in the Valley as he settled at the back, covered by the huge shadows of both Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
But as he landed in Brooklyn in last year's midseason, Bridges gladly welcomed the challenge of leading the franchise after their embattled saga with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Nets saw a refreshing rebirth, so as did the 27-year-old sitting at their helm.
Trust that builds confidence
Pouring an intriguing 26.1 points in 27 games, Bridges held the line last season and allowed the Nets still to enter the playoffs amid the major roster reconstruction. This season, he has been repeating his offensive bloom, which he's even more eager to take after an entire offseason of familiarizing himself with Jacque Vaughn's schemes.
With current season averages of 23.2 points on 49.3 percent shooting to go with career bests in boards (6.0) and assists (4.0), Mikal is thankful for the blessing his team provides, which resulted in a career transformation he's been living up to.
"I think my coaches and teammates, they just give me that confidence to go out there and be that guy to make those shots, make those plays," Bridges said. "Credit to them: When you feel that everybody around you [being] confident in you, you get that extra confidence in yourself. So now I just appreciate [that] I've got them on my side, and it gets me going."
All-Star Mikal?
Due to Bridges' superb two-way display, Brooklyn still maintains its position in the tight-standing race of the East. Amid injuries, the Nets hold a 12-10 record that stands as the eight-best so far in the Conference.
With that leadership to the team's positive streak, Bridges is strengthening his case to secure his first All-Star nod this season. For Spencer Dinwiddie, they can only hope the rising star keeps their winning ways for Mikal to make it.
"Mikal is playing his way into an All-Star-type of conversation if we can be fortunate enough to keep winning," Dinwiddie said.
