Grant Williams and Miles Bridges didn’t need to introduce themselves when the Charlotte Hornets’ purple and teal uniform design replaced Dallas’ royal blue and green. Bridges was already well known to Williams. Yes, Williams replied, “I love Miles.” “I have known Miles since I was fifteen years old, and I have watched him grow since then. His potential is rare in our league; he is a fantastic playmaker, can shoot the ball, and is a downhill danger. He is, in my opinion, essential to this team. Most likely one of our key guys. particularly as we approach summer.
With LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams banged up, Terry Rozier in Miami and PJ Washington and Gordon Hayward sent to other locales, Bridges has essentially carried the Hornets on his back for the better part of this last month and more. Bound for unrestricted free agency in July, he’s done little to decrease his value on the court, posting per game career highs in points (21.3), rebounds (7.5), defensive rebounds (6.4), steals (one), field goals made (8.2) and 3-pointers made (2.3). His points average ranks tops on the team among those who’ve played in enough outings to qualify, and his usage rate (24.9%) has never been better. Add it all up and the future of Bridges, who missed the 2022-23 season following his no contest plea for felony domestic violence, is going to have a major influence on the Hornets beyond this season. There’s no denying it.
