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How Can Miles Bridges Contribute in His Rookie Season for the Charlotte Hornets?

By Bryce Fields

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Miles Bridges reacts after being selected twelfth by the LA Clippers on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Miles Bridges reacts after being selected twelfth by the LA Clippers on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As we approach the regular season, the Swarm and Sting team are taking a look at each player on the Charlotte Hornets’ roster. Now we will be profiling their latest first-round draft pick, Miles Bridges, and what he brings to the table in his inaugural season.

Despite taking someone else on draft night, the Charlotte Hornets got exactly who they wanted on draft night. After originally selecting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 Draft, Charlotte quickly traded him the Los Angeles Clippers for the 12th pick and two future second rounders. This allowed the Hornets to get the guy they wanted all along: Michigan State forward Miles Bridges.

Bridges was great and incredibly versatile in his two years at MSU. Averaging 17 points, 7 rebounds, and almost 3 assists per game, Bridges played himself right onto the NCAA All-American second-team. He also made himself a lottery pick in the draft, and is now a member of a Hornets team that are trying to find their identity.

What role will Bridges be given in his rookie season?

There are two things that really standout about Bridges’ game: he is a great scorer and super-athletic. He showed that in college and continued to in the 2018 NBA Summer League, averaging 15 points per game. That versatility and athleticism I was talking about also showed, and Bridges averaged 8 rebounds per game to go along with over 1 block and steal per summer league game.

While Bridges has a lot of promise, his role for the upcoming season is unknown. Charlotte already has a lot of wing depth in Jeremey Lamb, Malik Monk, Dwayne Bacon, and Michael-Kidd Gilchrist. All are young and will be fighting for playing time along with Bridges.

In my opinion, Bridges will start the year coming off the bench, but where he ends up is all up to him. Despite only being a rookie, he potentially has the highest upside of all the young wings, and he can impact the game in every area.

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Projecting Bridges’ 2018-19 season:

  • 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal per game, and an NBA All-Rookie selection in 2018-19

As you can see, I am very optimistic about Bridges’ rookie season. While he will come off the bench (at first), he brings so much to the table. Even if he is still a shaky shooter, his driving and finishing ability almost guarantee him some points every game. Bridges also has proved to be a great athlete and rebounder, allowing him to be versatile and play multiple positions. He will need to score efficiently and continue to help out on both ends of the floor, but as for how he will fare in his rookie season, the sky is the limit for Miles Bridges.

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