Mikal Bridges‘ performance in the World Cup should confirm the Nets’ confidence that he can be their team leader, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
Bridges already had a major breakthrough after being acquired in the Kevin Durant trade in February, increasing his scoring average from 17.2 PPG in 56 games with Phoenix to 26.1 in 27 games with Brooklyn. He also proved to be effective in international basketball, finishing as Team USA’s second-leading scorer behind Anthony Edwards. Lewis points out that Bridges had the best efficiency rating on the team as a result of his shooting percentages (63.3% from the floor and 55.6% from behind the arc) and his contributions on defense.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr was impressed by what Bridges and Nets teammate Cameron Johnson were able to bring to the team.
“I already knew what kind of players they were from coaching against them,” Kerr said. “But they’re so mature: There’s a calming sense from both guys. And they’re also modern-day basketball players: shoot the three, guard multiple positions, long athletically. They’re huge components to this team.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Nets will be one of the teams least affected by the NBA’s new Player Participation Policy, Lewis adds. The regulations put restrictions on the amount of rest permissible for star players, but the only Net who currently qualifies is Ben Simmons, who has been dealing with legitimate injuries ever since arriving in Brooklyn. Lewis notes that Bridges could eventually join Simmons if he becomes an All-Star this season, but he hasn’t missed a game in his NBA career.
- In an interview with Fix Media Network (video link) Clippers guard Norman Powell said it’s much easier to go out in public in Los Angeles without being recognized than it was when he played for the Raptors (hat tip to Fan Nation). “The support is crazy,” Powell said of playing in Canada. “It’s so bad, and it’s one thing that I do like now that I’m in L.A., because no matter where you’re at, eyes are on you in Canada. You can’t even go to restaurants, you can’t go to the mall, like you can’t walk down the street. … Don’t go to Vancouver or somewhere where they don’t have the Raptors, you’re getting mobbed, it doesn’t matter.”
- Ben Uzoh, who briefly played for the Raptors in 2012, has joined the organization as a scout, tweets Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca.
Articles written after the World Cup have stated Mikhail Bridges performance confirmed he is the franchise guy they thought. Anthony Edwards has been declared to have established himself firmly as one of the future elite stars in the league. Cade Cunningham was said to be on shown how he is also destined for superstardom from his performance in practice.
Yet this elite team of talent and future superstars didn’t even win a medal, and lost 3 games.
Talent means a lot. But you need to use it as a team component. Team chemistry sometimes takes yrs. We expect the best talent to just do it. Very few can like the major superstars. It’s why that Real Dream Team was so awesome. They were the best talent and the best Team.
Especially now that the talent gap isn’t so vast. 20 years ago it didn’t matter. If the US sent their top guys they would win easily.
This is a good thing though for the overall health of the sport.
Because the NBA is weak truly. Silverwares watered down product
“And they’re also modern-day basketball players: shoot the three, guard multiple positions, long athletically. They’re huge components to this team.”
Couldn’t agree more. 2way stars to me. Bridges can be major. His offense is still getting better. If Ben can hold down the 4. These three are going to be a force. This team can surprise in the playoffs. It all comes down to Ben showing up.
How long before Bridges takes his talents to MSG where he belongs
“Modern-Day Basketball Players” … Is why the game is where it is today. Willie Cayley-Stein just signed overseas and broke it down perfectly. NBA is a 1 vs. 1 league with an over-emphasis on personal stats. Willie is correct. The other factor is rule changes designed to favor the offensive player in an effort for more points (they thought higher ratings).
You are very correct about the “Team Component”. The team component is missing for the USA in International play, and it is also greatly missing in the NBA.
Offensive efficiency is just out the window. Rules changed to eliminate the “post player”. Just crazy how they in some ways destroyed the game to do nothing but try to make as much money as possible.
I am a huge fan. However, the NBA regular season is largely meaningless. Just something for people to gamble on every night, and that is largely gamble on what stats players will get during the game.
Offense sells totally agree. You have to have scorers. Just remember in the playoffs the gm slows down. And D will always be a factor. It’s why I love 2way guys like Bridges, Butler, Kawhi.
I think my Knicks (Thibs) has looked for guys like that. When it comes to winning tough gms. You gotta play D lol.
2nd time Powell said he loves Toronto. Maybe trade Trent for him. Toronto could either do a youth movement or build a championship contender. They need to pick one because they are stuck in the middle. I never liked the raptors but if anyone asked I can fix them
Raptors should go after Lillard and Leonard or rebuild
No need for the NETS to load-manage Ben Simmons …… Ben has that covered.
Powell: I’m big in Canada.