Mikal Bridges expressed his eagerness to get started with the Knicks during a “Roommates Show Block Party” held Saturday at Central Park, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. The event featured podcast co-hosts Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, two of Bridges’ new teammates, along with comedian Jon Stewart.
“Long offseason. I got the itch right now,” Bridges told a large crowd at the celebration. “I’m ready right now. I’m active. It’s been too long.”
The Knicks acquired Bridges from Brooklyn in June in one of the major moves of the offseason. He joins fellow Villanova alums Hart, Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo on a team that hopes to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. New York advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season, but lost to Indiana in Game 7 amidst a flood of injuries.
The partisan Knicks crowd booed every time the Nets were mentioned Saturday, but Bridges told them he improved during the season and a half he spent in Brooklyn.
“Y’all should appreciate Brooklyn because it made me better,” he said, adding, “my game grew there.”
Bridges began his career in Phoenix after being selected with the 10th pick in the 2018 draft and played in the 2021 NBA Finals on a team that appeared to have a bright future. That changed at the February 2023 trade deadline when the Suns got the opportunity to acquire Kevin Durant from the Nets, with Bridges, Cameron Johnson and a parcel of draft picks heading to Brooklyn in return.
The 28-year-old forward was part of another huge deal this summer when he moved from one New York City borough to another as part of a trade focused on replenishing the Nets’ supply of draft assets.
Among the things Bridges is looking forward to is teaming up with his friends from Villanova.
“I’m pairing up with a lot of psychos,” he said, “and I’m happy to be here.”
My new favorite player ….. “2wayBridges” #25
Players I respect the most are 2way guys. Especially those who build and work their way to it. Thibs is that kind of coach.
Too true, too true!
The offseason is way too long, the season should last another couple months of more games, now that would be awesome, right?
Just be better than sixers and make the celtics work during the matchups…
The Knicks are finally heading in the right direction. I didn’t know at the time JB was the Knicks savior, but it was worth the wait. F!! LBJ!! F!! KD!! For refusing NYC and MSG.