It’s an old line, often overused, but in this case it’s true: If Mikal Bridges didn’t exist, the Nets would have had to invent him. It’s that simple.
Luckily, he does exist and he plays for them in Brooklyn. Increasingly since the February 9 deadline deal that brought him to Brooklyn, Bridges looks good and not just on the court. Yes, he averaged 26.1 points a game after joining the Nets (27.4 if you eliminate the four-second cameo in the last game of the season.) But that’s not why he is so valuable to the organization. After years of controversy and superstars pouting or protesting or simply pushing their legacy, Bridges is exactly what the Nets needed, the proverbial breath of fresh air.