Miles Bridges is a forward for the Charlotte Hornets, and he is widely viewed as the 2nd best player on the team after star point guard LaMelo Ball. He has shown his two-way ability this season and was definitely one of the most improved players this year. Miles Bridges’ production was solid, and he averaged 20.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 3.8 APG this season.
Despite his talent, it seems as though some fans want Miles Bridges to leave the Charlotte Hornets. A fan recently called Miles Bridges “inconsistent and overrated”, while adding that he’s “also immature”. On top of that, the fan expressed hope that Bridges would leave the team in free agency. Miles Bridges responded to the fan, asking why the fan wants to “hurt” his feelings.
Damn bro why do you wanna hurt my feelings 🫤 https://t.co/oCbEgWX3eO
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) June 25, 2022
There is definitely a chance Miles Bridges does end up leaving in free agency, so perhaps this fan will get his wish. Shams Charania previously reported that the Charlotte Hornets are “hesitant” to match a max contract for him, so if he got a max in free agency, there’s a possibility that he ends up leaving.
Rival executives expect Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges to command a maximum — or near-max — deal in July, and sources said there’s hesitancy from Charlotte to match a max sheet. Bridges had a breakout season in 2021-22, averaging 20.2 points, seven rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. In a league that saw wings such as Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins and Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have game-changing impacts on a run to the NBA Finals, Bridges’ two-way ability on the wing has become incredibly valued toward winning.
While it remains to be seen if Miles Bridges can replicate what he did this season going forward, this season definitely suggests that he is at least a “near-max” player. Two-way wings are a commodity in the NBA, and even Kevin Durant notably said that “it’s a wings league”.
If the choice for the Hornets is between signing Miles Bridges to a max contract or letting him walk for nothing, they should absolutely give him a new deal. Bridges still has room for growth, and if he doesn’t pan out, they could always move him in the future.
