Brooklyn Nets guard Mikal Bridges has seen his popularity rise due to how well he played for the Nets last season in a new role as the primary scorer of a playoff team. However, as effective as Bridges was on the offensive end of the floor, some in the NBA space still remind the public that he’s an elite defender as well.
Bridges, 27, averaged 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 37.6% from deep. In addition to those impressive offensive numbers, Bridges also averaged 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game during a 2022-23 season in which he was arguably the best defender for the Phoenix Suns (before being traded to Brooklyn) and for the Nets.
Coming into this season, Bridges will be tasked with being the primary scoring option along with still being an effective defender on the perimeter. Despite Bridges getting his recognition for his scoring, he is still being acknowledged for his defensive ability.
Here’s what Shaun Powell of NBA.com had to say about those who believe that Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday is the best perimeter defender in the league:
“No disrespect to Jrue (Holiday), who has more than earned his defensive stripes, but this crown belongs to Mikal Bridges.
First: Bridges is younger. Second: Bridges is more athletic. Third: Bridges is lengthier. Fourth: Bridges guards multiple positions. Fifth: Bridges is taller. Sixth: As you might’ve guessed, Bridges is damn good.
Put him 10, 15, 20 feet from the hoop and he’s in his element. He has the lateral quickness to keep up with most players, can cover the 3-point shooters, brings solid instincts and is versatile. My only fear, and maybe I’m being too hyper, is now that Bridges has become an offensive threat in Brooklyn, will he spend too much energy on that end of the floor?
Anyway, Bridges covers almost as much of the floor as paint. Just ask the player in front of him.”
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