It’s probably safe to say that the Brooklyn Nets will probably miss out on participating in the 2024 postseason. The team has been frustratingly average for much of the season and will likely finish the 2023-24 campaign with a win-loss record below .500.
While the team still struggles to field a strong enough roster and string together wins, one of their star players achieved a feat not many NBA players experience. What makes it all the more impressive is how he blossomed into one of the league’s big stars despite how fans and analysts perceived his game early in his career.
Mikal Bridges plays 500th Consecutive NBA game during the Brooklyn Nets’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans
Mikal Bridges is not only the key player for the Nets this season, but he’s also become one of the most durable players in the league after playing his 500th consecutive NBA game during the team’s 104-91 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Villanova alum has not missed an NBA game since he debuted for the Phoenix Suns in the 2018-19 season. This accomplishment is impressive in a sport where frequent play often sees players miss time on the floor.
His head coach had nothing but praise for him, per New York Post’s Jared Schwartz:
“Nobody sees the practices that he doesn’t sit out,” head coach Kevin Ollie said. “Everybody focuses on the game, but he’s there in practice and his workouts and doing his things that he does in the dark when nobody is looking, is more impressive to me than just the games. He’s never absent to anything, he’s always present. Great accomplishment for him. I know it’s a huge accomplishment for him, huge accomplishment for the organization — 500 is big time.”
Bridges blossomed into an incredible player for the Nets
Mikal Bridges was supposed to be a role player for the Suns when he debuted, and his numbers with the team proved that. While he became a key contributor during the Suns’ improbable playoff run in 2021, his averages of 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in his five years with the Suns showed where he stood in the hierarchy.
It was when he was shipped off to Brooklyn that he finally got to be the star he was always meant to be. While his first full season with the Nets is still to finish, he’s made leaps and bounds in his production. He’s averaging 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in Brooklyn while shooting 45% from the field and 37% from three-point land.
It’s not weird to expect Bridges to develop more as a star as he gains more experience leading an NBA franchise. Moreover, fans can expect him to play another 82 games for the Nets next season.
For More Content
Message me at [email protected] for questions and opportunities.