Perhaps no player had their role more directly impacted heading into the 2020-21 season than Miles Bridges. A starting forward in the 2019-20 iteration of the Hornets, Bridges moved to the bench this season and though his minutes slightly declined, his production jumped to levels no one could have anticipated.
From a scoring standpoint, he had the most efficient season of his career. He flirted with a 50/40/90 season, upped his production as a playmaker and became one of Charlotte’s most valuable players of the season.
It could hardly have come at a better time for Bridges as he’s extension-eligible this summer and could cash in on his production after cementing his position as a core piece of Charlotte’s future.
Stat of the Season
4.
Saying Bridges flirted with a 50/40/90 season – an accomplishment reserved for the most efficient scorers in league history – is underselling it. Bridges hit the benchmarks for field goal and 3-point shooting at 50.3% and 40.0%, respectively. But he finished just four made free throws shy of clearing 90% at the charity stripe, stopping him from reaching that feat.
Notable Exit Interview Quote
On what he plans to work on during the summer…
“I feel I can always get better at everything. I mean, for this team, I play a lot of positions. I have a lot of different roles. So, I feel like I want to get better at everything. My IQ mainly, learn how to finish games better, creating shots for myself and for my teammates and I can always get better at defense. So, just for me, just the full package.”
Overview
Through no fault of his own, Bridges was moved out of his role and to the bench heading into the season. He never let that impact him as he only improved this season. But perhaps most impressive was his instant bond with LaMelo Ball.
On and off the court, a relationship between the two blossomed. Prior to Ball’s injury in mid-March, no one played alongside Bridges more than Ball. They created an exciting partnership that was often at the core of what made the Hornets exciting and successful.
Outlook
Bridges’ performance on the year likely moved him into the “untouchables” conversation for the Hornets front office. His versatility allowed Charlotte to play multiple different styles as either a small ball team or a more traditional lineup with multiple bigs.
It would be unsurprising if he’s given an extension this summer. And considering the leap he made in 2021, it’d be unsurprising if he became an even more vital piece for the franchise.
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