Phoenix Suns: Ranking Mikal Bridges Among Starting Small Fowards
Ranking Phoenix Suns SF Mikal Bridges: The Second Tier
For now, Bridges falls outside the second tier for small forwards as well. This group essentially includes the “1B” options at the position, who remain absolute game changers, but lack one or two minor things.
At this level’s top sits Jimmy Butler, followed by Jayson Tatum, and Paul George.
Like with the first tier, these players simply outweigh Bridges from an offensive standpoint by several miles. All three averaged far more points, rebounds, and assists than Bridges last season, forming an impenetrable argument against anyone looking to place him here.
On a hot night for Bridges, he possesses the skills to contend with these guys. However, consistency matters. While Bridges might hang with a Butler, Tatum, or George one night a week, those other guys are dropping 20+ point games on high efficiency ratings every single night.
Only five wings had a +55 TS%, +2.5 STL% and +1 VORP last season: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Robert Covington, Mikal Bridges.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 19, 2019
If Bridges's scoring blossoms to go along with his All-NBA defensive potential, he certainly has All-Star equity in the near future. pic.twitter.com/ftsjCGz6Rg
Perhaps if the Suns made Bridges a more focal point offensively, he reaches the 20+ plus scoring mark, but you cannot judge a player off “maybes” and “only ifs.”
Closer, but not quite yet for Bridges.