Former Suns Star Favored to Win Most Improved Player

Mikal Bridges has all the tools to win the award.

It's truly remarkable to see how far former Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges has come. 

Bridges first arrived to the NBA in 2018 after being drafted at No. 10 by the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team. He was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns. 

Slowly but surely Bridges built a reputation on the court for being a tough three-and-d ironman player while garnering love from fans for his personality, which shined through his play and chemistry with teammates.

The talent and lovable characteristics of Bridges made his trade awfully tough to swallow when he and others were sent packing to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Kevin Durant. 

In Brooklyn, Bridges hit a new level offensively after taking over as the team's top scoring option. He was also one of the USA's best players during their run in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. 

Now, Bridges looks to play his first full season with the Nets, and Bleacher Report believes Bridges will continue to make strides in his new home after labeling him the front-runner to win Most Improved Player:

Former Suns Star Favored to Win Most Improved Player

Greg Swartz: "Mikal Bridges is the current betting favorite to win Most Improved Player, thanks to his new full-time role as the offensive alpha on the Nets.

"His play following a February trade to Brooklyn was good enough to finish fourth in the 2022-23 voting, as his scoring jumped 9.1 points to 26.1 points per game to go along with 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and a 37.6 percent mark from three.

"The 27-year-old has been one of the better wing defenders for years now and finally has a role where he can showcase his offensive talents without any other Devin Booker-esque talent around him. If Brooklyn stays in the playoff hunt, Bridges will almost certainly be a first-time All-Star.

"With the new CBA stating that players must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for major awards and All-NBA teams, no player should have an easier time clearing this hurdle than Bridges.

"The league's most durable player has yet to miss a game in his five-year career, even suiting up in 83 contests between the Phoenix Suns and Nets last season."

Bridges is fresh off a 2022 campaign that saw him make First Team All-NBA Defense and has led the NBA in games played each of the last three seasons.