26-Year-Old Small Forward Re-Signs with the Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have indeed had a challenging history in the NBA, marked by a series of near-misses and underwhelming performances. Since their inception in 1988, the franchise has struggled to achieve consistent success, with the pinnacle being four appearances in the Conference Semifinals, none of which resulted in further advancement. Their last such appearance was in 2002, highlighting a prolonged period of mediocrity and rebuilding phases. However, the selection of LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft signaled a potential turning point for the franchise. Ball brought a level of excitement and talent that had been missing for years. His playmaking ability, scoring, and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite and a central piece of the Hornets’ future. His selection proved fruitful as he earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award and later became an All-Star in 2022, showcasing his ability to impact the game at a high level. 

Ball’s influence on the team has been profound, but it’s essential to recognize the contributions of his teammate, Miles Bridges. Bridges, often flying under the radar, has developed into a versatile and impactful player for the Hornets. His athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. Despite not always receiving the same level of recognition as other stars, Bridges has proven to be a critical component of Charlotte’s efforts to rebuild and compete in a tough Eastern Conference. Together, Ball and Bridges form a dynamic duo that gives the Hornets a foundation to build upon. While debates about Ball’s standing in the league continue, with opinions ranging from overrated to underrated, the undeniable fact is that his presence has brought renewed hope to Charlotte. Simultaneously, Bridges’ steady rise shows us all the importance of having reliable and underrated players who can contribute significantly without necessarily being in the spotlight. The combination of Ball’s star potential and Bridges’ underrated excellence offers a glimmer of hope for the Hornets as they strive to break their long-standing playoff drought and achieve more significant success in the NBA. 

Bridges’ journey to becoming a key player for the Charlotte Hornets is a fascinating tale of quick transactions and steady development. Initially drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bridges was promptly traded to the Hornets in exchange for Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, the 11th overall pick that year. This move solidified Bridges as a cornerstone for the Hornets, a decision that would prove significant for the franchise’s future. Bridges signed a four-year contract worth over $16 million with Charlotte, officially tying his future to the Hornets. His development over the following seasons showcased his potential and value. By the 2021-2022 NBA season, Bridges had evolved into a standout performer, averaging over 20 points per game and shooting an impressive 49% from the field. This breakout season occurred during the final year of his rookie contract, positioning him for a significant pay raise. 

Unfortunately for Bridges though the pay raise he was expected to receive during the 2022 NBA offseason was never given to him as his career took a significant and troubling turn due to a domestic violence incident involving his then-girlfriend Mychelle Johnson and their two children. This incident, which led to a lengthy investigation, resulted in Bridges missing the entire 2022-2023 NBA season. In April 2023, the NBA concluded its investigation and suspended Bridges for 30 games without pay, set to begin at the start of the 2023-2024 season. However, after considering he had already missed all 82 games of the 2022-2023 season, Bridges was credited for 20 games served, reducing his suspension to just 10 games for the 2023-2024 season.

This scenario created a complicated scenario for Bridges’ career. Once eligible to return, the pressing questions were which teams would be interested in signing him and what his market value would be after such a significant and controversial absence. Teams interested in Bridges had to weigh the risk of public and internal backlash due to his off-court issues against his on-court talent. His performance before the incident showed that he could be a valuable asset to any team, but his off-court behavior raised concerns about his character and controversial absence. 

However, during times of times of turmoil we often all go back to places we are comfortable and that is exactly what Bridges did. Given his history with the team, the Hornets chose to re-sign Bridges for a one-year deal worth nearly eight million in July of 2023. This contract allowed him to rebuild his career in a familiar environment while giving the team a chance to capitalize on his talents. This deal ended up being a win for the Hornets and for Bridges as he provided nothing but help to the team during the entirety of the 2023-2024 NBA season. 

This past season was a special one for Bridges with a sense of gratitude for just being able to play the game after his recent personal issues which could be seen as he had his best statistical season yet averaging 21 points a night continuing to always be a threat on a team that unfortunately for Charlotte does not have too many of them. The important question regarding Bridges' career now is: What’s next for the 26-year-old small forward? Does he return to the Hornets on the biggest contract of his career or does he reach that deal with another franchise? Is it possible that the Hornets do a sign and trade? How much better will Bridges get?

All these questions are questions that have been floating around the NBA community in recent months. However, today we can put them to rest as Bridges signed a three-year deal worth 75 million dollars back with the Hornets. As Bridges begins another very important chapter in his career, only time will tell what he and the Hornets can accomplish together. All we know for now is that Bridges is a consistent player that gives you 20 points a night and that is something that any of the 30 NBA teams in the league could use on their team.