Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges' Mixed Emotions on Joining the Nets

Bridges transitioned from a role player with the Phoenix Suns to a prominent star with the Brooklyn Nets.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Following extensive speculation regarding Kevin Durant's destination, his trade request to join the Phoenix Suns during the summer of 2022 was fulfilled, subsequently leading to Mikal Bridges making the move to the Brooklyn Nets.

This move came as a shock for both teams since Durant had been performing exceptionally well for the Nets, positioning them as contenders under Jacque Vaughn. Nonetheless, Kyrie Irving's departure, who rescinded his request from a few months earlier, marked the end of KD era in Brooklyn. Fortunately for the franchise, they secured a favorable outcome by acquiring Bridges and Cameron Johnson in return.

“When I got traded, my mindset was already locked in. Going to a team where I’ll have more opportunities to score and play make, I was already locked in and excited,” Mikal said to Taylor Rooks. “I was sad getting traded, but I know it’s part of the business. I was also really excited because you know, let me get a little bit more shots, let me have more time with the ball in his hands.”

Mikal has delivered as a go-to scorer in Brooklyn

As soon as he arrived in Brooklyn, Mikal impressed everybody with his scoring ability. This awaited breakthrough for the Villanova product was evident as he showcased impressive performance in the first half of the season with the Suns, achieving a career-high of 17.2 points per game.

He took it up a notch with the Nets because, in his 27 games with the team, he upped his scoring to 26.1 points per game. That included some career-best performances like a 45-point performance in a win over the Miami Heat or his 44-point game against the Orlando Magic.

Mikal even earned a Player of the Week award in early April 2023 as he averaged 33 points to lead the Nets to three straight wins.

Bridges continues to be a reliable star for the Nets

Commencing the 2023/24 season, the Nets have grappled with numerous injuries to their starters. Mikal stands out as their most dependable player, consistently available and serving as the team's primary scorer with 21.8 points per game in the absence of Cameron Thomas. 

Although Bridges' efficiency from beyond the arc remains a work in progress, he exhibits ongoing improvement in his overall game.

Expect Bridges to be a long-term member of the Nets because of his reliability and untapped potential. He is already one of the best wing players in the league and he will only keep improving.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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