After a very inventful two years, Miles Bridges is expected to have a significant role this season in Charlotte. Bridges sat the entire season last year and the first ten games of this season after pleading no contest to domestic violence. He recently got in trouble again after violating a protective order from his ex-girlfriend. It is alleged that Bridges threw billiard balls at the ex-girlfriend’s car with the kids inside and threatened to withdraw child support payments. Bridges is expected to make his season debut Friday despite possibly going to jail.
Before the trouble, Bridges emerged as one of the best young forwards in the league. After a lackluster 20-21 season, which saw him average 12.7 points, Bridges bumped those numbers to 20.7 points during the 21-22 season. After turning down a 60 million dollar extension before the season, Bridges bet on himself and was in a position to win. Now that he’s back, Bridges will significantly impact the team this season, but should he?
I was excited to see Bridges back with all of the negativity put behind him. It is unfortunate to see a guy with so much potential to be something special not being able to stay out of his way, especially with something as delicate as domestic violence. As for an organization as TOXIC as Charlotte is right now, THERE IS NO WAY Bridges should be playing right now, ESPECIALLY with the latest troubles he’s facing. All this tells you you can break whatever rules are imposed on you and get a slap on the wrist. Sooner or later, ownership has to get some order with this squad.
The Hornets are the 4th youngest team in the NBA. With an average age of 24.3, you look at some of the decisions made by the players on this team; you see the immaturity. Last week, I felt this team (LaMelo Ball in particular) was rebelling against Steve Clifford to get him fired. Steve Clifford knows what’s going on, and he’s doing whatever he can to save his job, so of course, he will play Miles.
That decision will come at the post of guys like P.J. Washington, Brandon Miller, and JT Thor. These are guys who come in and put the work in. Whether in practice or game day, These guys will be affected by Miles Bridges returning. I hope the league steps in and gives him discipline for his latest mishap. I am a guy who believes in second chances, but what happens when you blow that second chance?
West Coast Hoops 