Mikal Bridges joined the New York Knicks during the 2024 offseason. The versatile player will help New York contend for a 2025 NBA Finals Appearance. Learn more about Mikal Bridges below.
Villanova University
Bridges played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats at Villanova University. He would redshirt his freshmen season. The small forward would take that time to work on his game and assist in scouting players.
Bridges identified his weaknesses, strength, and long range shooting, and improved in those areas during his redshirted season. He played every game in his first year with the Villanova basketball team. The Wildcats would win the NCAA championship in 2016, and Bridges was an important contributor to the team.
By 2018, Bridges was considered one of the top collegiate players in the country. He played an important role in helping Villanova win their second NCAA championship. This victory came in the 2017-2018 season.
Suns
In 2018, Bridges would enter the NBA Draft and be selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. He would then be traded to the Phoenix Suns. Bridges would make a name for himself on the Suns as a strong defender. He would also be a reliable scorer.
The Phoenix Suns would make the NBA Finals in 2021. Despite taking a 2-0 lead on the Milwaukee Bucks, the Suns would lose 4 games to 2.
Bridges would continue to improve his all-around game the following season. He was now a lockdown defender, considered one of the best in the NBA. The rising star would make the All-Defensive team in 2022.
Nets
The Phoenix Suns team, with Bridges as a factor, were contenders when the team decided to mix things up in 2023. Chris Paul and Devin Booker led the Suns, with Bridges as one of the supporting cast members. The organization decided it was time to make a trade. Bridges was part of a deal that brought Kevin Durant to the Suns.
When Bridges moved to the Nets, he was elevated to one of the team’s main weapons. He took advantage of the move and put up big numbers scoring. Bridges showed he had the talent and mindset to be the number one option on a team.
New York Knicks
Bridges was moved to the New York Knicks during the Summer of 2024. The Knicks squad is stacked with talent, and Bridges will be a key piece for the team on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Bridges will be a player to watch this season.
- Adam C. Better
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