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Phoenix Suns New Year’s Resolutions: Mikal Bridges

By Chad Boyles

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 22: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 22: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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From an NCAA title with Villanova, to being drafted by his hometown team just to be traded to the Phoenix Suns immediately after, 2018 has been anything but for Mikal Bridges.

The lanky, rookie forward has had an immediate impact on the youthful, bottom of the Western Conference Suns. With a well deserved, now consistent, spot in the starting lineup, Bridges has game-in and game-out been the Suns’ best defender, and has shown ability to hit the 3-pointer, as he did so dangerously under Jay Wright.

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Phoenix Suns

The 22-year-old, averaging 26 minutes per game is scoring 8 points on 43% shooting, along with 3 rebounds and nearly 2 steals through 37 games.

Easily too he’s among, if not the best, defender in the 2018 rookie class.

Bridges has plenty of work to do entering the new year. Where should he find room for improvement first?

While his defense, again, is consistently exquisite, his scoring numbers are inconsistent. Bridges’ body, basketball IQ, and skill-set can allow him to contribute across the box score, but he needs to continue growing offensively.

Bridges never seemingly has the ball in his hands for extended periods, while this may be suited for his current skill-set, with a Kevin Durant-esque body type, Bridges would be a true offensive threat if he were to develop an attacking mentality.

As it stands, Bridges averages one more 3-point field goal attempt than 2-point. He shoots 52% from inside the arc, 35% from outside.

A Mikal Bridges, hungry to get to the paint ,would certainly improve his ball-handling, while upping his rebounds and assists per game.

Currently, Bridges seems very one dimensional.

Next. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton need to learn more of the Mamba Mentality. dark

Bridges is certain to grow as a player, and these skills are bound to be part of the player that he is.  Where the Suns are, starting to address those weaknesses in in game situations mean no harm as the Suns are on track for a mere 20 win season.

He is an untouchable on the Suns roster, and should aim to be the third star behind Booker and Ayton.

Showing the signs, consistent offensive productivity is the big gap between him and that stardom.

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