Brooklyn Nets guard Mikal Bridges has had a trying 2023-24 season that has forced him to adapt to being the primary scorer while other teams are actively scheming to limit his offensive production. The results have been below what most expected from him as a lot of people believed that Bridges would continue his play from last season and become an All-Star for the first time in his career.
After averaging 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 47.5% field-goal shooting and 37.6% from three in 27 regular-season games with the Nets last season, Bridges is averaging 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on shooting splits of 45.5% from the field and 36% from behind the three-point line.
While he was the primary scoring option for Brooklyn last season following the trades of superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Bridges has had more difficulty getting to his sweet spots as it seems that the NBA is more aware of where he thrives on the court. As a result, opposing defenses are being more physical with Bridges with whatever he does given how it is easier to get in Bridges’ way due to his slight frame.
With Bridges’ numbers down across the board from what they were last season, it seems that his chances of being an All-Star have decreased accordingly. Bridges recently had an interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda where he expressed that he doesn’t think that he will be one of the players selected for the All-Star game:
“I don’t think so this year. Maybe next year. You have to win and play to the level.”
[lawrence-related id=57056,57053,57050]