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How Miles Bridges hitting ‘rock bottom’ is fueling new perspective in first year with Suns appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
SCOTTSDALE– When Miles Bridges was introduced as the newest member of the Phoenix Suns, he knew what the topic of discussion would be. The tense anticipation of what everyone was thinking lifted the moment he spoke.
He understood the mixed feelings about him being in Phoenix. Someone with his history isn’t a subject that should be taken lightly, and it hasn’t.
This all stems from November 2022, when he was accused of severe domestic abuse against Mychelle Johnson, the mother of his children, all while taking place in front of their children. The NBA suspended Bridges for 30 games as punishment.
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Ever since then, his reputation has been tainted. Even through statements, remorse, regret, counseling, therapy, community events, charitable donations, and drives, some fans have an uneasiness about him being a part of the Suns.
Some have gone as far as to suggest boycotting the team.
General manager Brian Gregory knew that coming into Wednesday’s press conference, and acknowledged that Bridges is taking, and has been taking, steps in the right direction.
His off-the-court growth was hammered home time and time again, but Bridges solidifying that point can establish the beginning of a trust factor with the fanbase.
“I’ve been at rock bottom before, and I’ve had to work my way back up to where I am now. So just being committed to one thing,” Bridges explained. “Being great off the court, being great on the court. Like I said, I’ve been to therapy sessions, I’ve been to counseling; they helped me a lot.
“I can’t pinpoint one thing that I’ve learned. It’s a lot of things that I learned about life in general because when you’re playing basketball, you’re really not thinking about anything else. And then when off-the-court stuff happens, then you really get introduced to life.”
Miles Bridges’ history was a talking point for the Suns front office
The history is what it is, but that didn’t discourage Gregory from what he saw: a hyper-explosive athlete with a quality shooting touch and someone, from a basketball sense, who fits into what they have.
Phoenix has sought after guys who play bigger than their size, fit the dynamics of spacing in the NBA, and who will do all the little things. Bridges fits that bill. His 6-foot-7 and 225-pound frame might be small, but he’s played the small and power forward multiple times during his stint with the Charlotte Hornets.
The efficiency isn’t where it should be, but some of that was the byproduct of being forced into tough shots. Playing alongside Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green can alleviate that pressure.
Also, his role as a playmaker, primarily in the short-roll game, cannot be understated. He already has chemistry with current starting center Mark Williams, which is a bonus.
For everything that was basketball-related, the background is important. Obviously, the 2022 case left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Following the 2022 case, Bridges was extremely active in the Charlotte community. It wasn’t for brownie points but for something that gave him a new perspective.
Now, it’s not only about earning the trust of the fanbase, but also his teammates. Bridges vowed he would earn that with hard work and time.
“I have no question at all that he understands the responsibility of what our organization’s expectations and values are,” Gregory said. “We will hold them accountable to the same high standards of everybody that is part of the Phoenix Suns organization. There will be no wavering on that.
“We also recognize that trust is not given; it’s earned. And Miles understands that for him to earn the trust of his teammates, of our fans, and of our great community, it’s going to be based on his daily actions. Are they seeing the growth, and is he doing the things that we know he should be doing? And earning that trust is something very, very important to Miles.
“He understands that responsibility. He understands our standards and that he’ll be held accountable to those standards.”
This can be a make-or-break year for Miles Bridges
Obviously, proving himself to the state of Arizona is the top priority, but no one can ignore the final year of his contract coming up. He’s owed $22 million and then will be an unrestricted free agent.
After missing out on that rookie extension because of the 2022 case, this could be redemption. A chance to capitalize on a deal of a lifetime is certainly one not to miss out on. But that could very well be the fruit of doing his due diligence on and off the court. Before closing out his press conference, he left everyone with one simple message.
“I think they’re going to be proud of me by the end of this.”
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