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The Brooklyn Nets secured a coveted piece like Mikal Bridges when they traded Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns at the February 2023 deadline. Any conversation for Brooklyn started with Bridges' inclusion in the deal.
He was one of the most reliable pieces for the Suns during their playoff years over the past two seasons. During that time, he emerged as one of the best 3-and-D players in the NBA.
Bridges developed his offensive game further this season, making him an even more valuable asset. The Nets were deprived of a superstar presence following Durant and Kyrie Irving's departures, leading to Bridges being their go-to option offensively.
He has delivered exceptionally well in that role. The former Villanova prospect has played 16 games for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging all-star caliber numbers like 25.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.6 apg, shooting at an efficient 50/44/89 clip.
Bridges is averaging a career-best 19.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 3.4 apg across 72 games this season for the Suns and Nets overall. That's a five-point differential between his points per game production last year and this season.
Mikal Bridges has dropped seven of his 10 career scoring efforts during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. His current record stands at 45 points, which he scored in the Nets' 116-105 win over the Miami Heat on Feb. 15.
From a role player to a star; Mikal Bridges emerges as a long-term investment for Brooklyn Nets
Mikal Bridges was considered an elite role player during his time with the Phoenix Suns as Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul led their charge. Bridges was still integral to their success in making the 2021 finals, helping them finish with the best regular season record in 2022 and contributing to their conference semis run the same season.
Bridges was believed to be more of a defensive player, and rightly so. He was tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player nightly. Bridges finished second in DPOY voting behind Marcus Smart last year due to his success as the Suns' defensive go-to option.
However, his play has extended to him emerging as a versatile offensive player. Mikal Bridges has been one of the most efficient three-level scorers in the league. He has continued to make an impact defensively as well. But by the looks of it, Bridges will have to manage his contributions on both ends, similar to how star players like Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis do it.
Mikal Bridges isn't at the level of these three two-way stars yet, but the potential is there. His numbers with the Brooklyn Nets are also there to show for it. That makes Bridges a reliable franchise cornerstone. He joined the team with the tag of one of the best role players, but he has arguably turned into a star.
Bridges' ever-improving offensive game makes him destined to be an All-Star next season. His all-around play on offense also makes him adaptable alongside another All-Star player. Bridges, 26, is yet to enter his prime years. That makes it a no-brainer for the Nets to pair him up with a co-star and build around them for the future.
